Disclaimer: I don't own Holes, and never will!
The Inspection Of CGL
Chapter Twenty Three ll Insert A Name Here Please
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The EX-Project Dis-Inspect Camp Green Lake - Un-Journal
21st of August. (Day 31)
MOOD:
bang bang bang PLING
TIME: 9:47AM
Have decided to start writing in this stupid thing so I can use up the rest of the pages. There's about another eighty of them, so I have to write big. Car trip is boring. Have taken little naps and marvelled on how much I miss the boys. Now I don't really want to think about them anymore. I'm going home! I shall be happy.
I am happy.
10:00AM
Three hours! Three hours, I tell you! And another six to go. I could sing. I could dance. I could light something on fire in a way that wouldn't remind you of Zigzag in the slightest.
Must never think of D-tent.
They don't exist.
They were figments of my imagination.
Yes. I have imaginary friends. Do you have a problem with that? You are only just a silly diary-journal-thing.
10:21AM
Never stick head out of window again.
Ever.
10:33AM
Hilary's done removing that appalling hairball from my hair. Who on earth invents those things? Hairballs, I mean. They just go bouncing across the desert land and inconveniently lodges itself in an innocent girl's ponytail when she sticks her head out of the car window to enjoy the breeze.
PAH. Bet you it was Einstein's idea. He's always thinking up of silly things.
Hairballs.
I ask you.
10:51AM
Apologised to Hilary for disrupting her driving, though it really wasn't my fault there was a hairball in the middle of No Man's Land. She said it was fine. She talked about what an arse her boyfriend-of-two-years was being every time she mentioned the words "commitment" and "responsibility" and "I want to start a family now, you prat." Agreed with her that boys are stupid creatures and a waste of space. Later, repented for having said such mean things.
Am currently singing along to the radio.
11:26AM
Scenery is utmost fascinating. Dirt, dirt, sand, dust, sand, HAIRBALL, shrub, dirt, more dirt, fancy this - more dirt, dust.
Asked Hilary how she could stand driving nine hours to CGL and another nine hours back.
"Let's just say I'm going on a shopping spree soon," she told me with a mysterious smile.
Did not understand.
1:00PM
Fell asleep. Had a nightmare that I forgot to pack Clover and left him at CGL.
...Oh my.
2:05PM
Note to self: never scream and yell at someone when they are driving. If this is forgotten, at least scream and yell in English. And talk at a normal rate.
Must also never start speaking in English with, "YOU'RE ABOUT TO HIT A KANGAROO, STOP THE CAR!"
2:12PM
Hilary's words of wisdom: "You'll just have to learn to deal with it, Andii. He's gone. Gone forever."
And nothing but a polite letter to the Warden woman and a couple of days of mailing the parcel can bring him back.
I'll deal with it.
I can handle this.
Goodbye, Clover...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
2:29PM
I can't believe I forgot to pack him. I know I've done some pretty awful things, but this is the worst. Well, probably not, but it's definitely down there with the bottom ten.
Siiiigh.
How Subject: Little Sister shall scold me.
2:46PM
Stopped for the eleventh time (not including my mishaps with The Hairball and the thing to do with that stuffed animal) to stop, revive, survive. Had a chat with Hilary (a lot easier to talk when she's not driving). Lovely person, she is. Excellent music taste.
Am back in car again, driving along. Singing to radio again.
"DON'T WANNA BE AN AMERICAN IDIOT!"
She has a good singing voice, you know.
2:51PM
Success! Haven't wrote a single thing about the boys for about five hours!
...There, I just ruined my record.
Musn't ever think of them.
Nor of that stuffed animal.
What was his name again?
I wouldn't know.
3:15PM
Hilary commented, "You seem a lot happier now. At first, I thought I'd be stuck driving a sad, boring, mopey teenager home for nine hours."
Replied with, "Well, hairballs do wonders to your mood." Even though I had cheered up long before Einstein's creation came along.
Laughed. Said, "You're never going to get over that, are you?"
I guess not.
3:47PM
Am really looking forward to seeing Mum and Dad and Cecily and Claude and everyone again. I've missed them soooooooo very much.
Bad news: it's going to take a further hour and a half before I get home, making the entire trip a whole ELEVEN hours.
Insanity? I think so.
No wonder why road trips never work out and everyone dies in the end.
...Poor Hilary.
And her car!
Diddums.
4:03PM
Had another break. We're nearing civilization! I can see buildings up ahead, and there are much more trees and shrubs, and not as much dirt and dust. Hilary and I sat on the ground (we didn't care much about our clothes at that moment) and had cookies. They were absolutely scrumptious. They were just normal cookies but SHAPED AS TWEETY and had a THICK layer of CHOCOLATE and it had SPRINKLES and everything.
Mmmhmm.
Chocolate gives you this extremely high feeling, like you're floating on clouds.
Oooh, fancy that. Lighthouse Family's song "High" just came on the radio. I better stop now so I can sing with Hil, and also all this writing while the car's moving has made me a bit sick. Or is it the cookies? Aish.
4:09PM
When
you're close to tears remember,
Someday, it'll all be over.
Cause
we are gonna be, forever, you and me.
You'll always keep me flying
high, in the sky,
Of love.
That almost set me off in tears. I really miss Squid and all the other guys. Heck, I even miss Mr. Flash-Happy.
But I miss Squid the most.
4:23PM
Bad Andii, bad girl! Not supposed to think about them. Figments of imagination, and all that.
Do you want to get cured of your problem or not?
HMM?
That's what I thought.
4:34PM
I SEE BUILDINGS! I SEE ROADS! WE ARE ON A ROAD! YAY!
We'll be in Palmoilin in just another couple of kilometres. How BRILLIANT is that?
YAY.
YAY.
...YAY!
5:03PM
We're here. In my driveway. :):)
I love my house. I'll probably write more tonight, if my hand doesn't cramp up.
5:04PM
Oh, and before I go flying into my home, I just have to say HILARY IS THE BEST PERSON IN THE WORLD AND DESERVES A GRAMMY.
Honestly, how come the bus driver that took me to CGL wasn't as... well, wasn't as Hilary-ish?
5:56PM
In my LOVELY-LAH room at the moment, kind of unpacking. Well, Subject: Little Sister is tearing apart my suitcase, in search of her "souvenir". Am desperately trying to think of what to pretend is her gift. Perhaps those horrible magnets I received on my birthday?
Look at that, the jumper she just chucked landed right in my laundry basket. How convenient.
Child labour?
AS IF!
More later.
8:57PM
Never stay away from family for more than a week.
May create a never-ending list of pointless and repeated questions that are the same but asked in different words.
...SIGH.
Might as well explain the rest of my day before I forget it all.
As soon as Hilary left, I walked into my house and was smacked in the head by Lisa - my inflatable, Starburst lollipop. No, Lisa did not suddenly come alive and happen to strike me at random - Subject: Little Sister (do not ask why I am calling her that) found it amusing to bop me on the head when I walked in.
I'm gone for a month and her greeting is to hit me?
And then demand for her souvenir?
What a sibling.
Field Marshall Father and Woman Who Gave Birth To Me came flying at me and tackled me to the floor, hugging me until I was all hugged out. Subject: Little Sister continued to hit me.
Questions came hurling at me.
Question marks were approximately the words exiting the mouths of The Two People Who Are Married And Subject: Little Sister And I Share As Parents.
...I love these scientific names. :D
Anywho, after the question marks paused for a second, I went upstairs to my room and Subject: Little Sister followed me and continued to demand for her souvenir. (She had already hugged me before. She is not that mean.)
The word that's opposite to before (after, you dolts) she finished destroying my suitcase, we went downstairs for dinner. (I found a Felix: The Cat pencil and gave it to her. - "Oh, here's your souvenir!" - She loves it. Little kids. They'll take anything. Except maybe those magnets.) Dinner was nachos. I made the guacamole. Field Marshall Father wanted to know why the sour cream was green. Hit him with spatula.
The return of the dreaded question marks.
This went on for about two hours. Helped wash dishes and escaped to bathroom before they could come back. No such luck. Spent "quality family time" in living room with Those Three People I've Been Living With For The Past Thirteen Years.
More question marks.
Oh how I flinched and cringed, but they showed no mercy.
Parents (scientific names are too long) kept hugging me and saying how much they missed me.
Must say, 'tis good to be back.
Very good. :)
Andii.
---
THE NEXT MORNING.
"You girls are in charge of breakfast today."
The most dreaded words in any household came to haunt me in the form of my loveable and slightly mental mother.
"Oh," was all I said. Oh. Well, it's just breakfast. It can't be that hard. A few eggs here, a few sausages there, add a couple of coffee beans and voila! Breakfast is served.
"In chaaaaaaaaaarge?" Cecily repeated, still in her Little Mermaid pyjamas.
Oh, who am I kidding. I may as well crawl into the pantry and die of loneliness.
"Yes, in charge," Mum bent down to her level and I looked around for an escape, "It means you and Sis get to cook for Mummy and Daddy. Wouldn't that be nice? To spend some time with Sis after she's been away for so long? Yes, of course it's very nice."
Cecily looked like she would very much like to join me in the pantry.
"So, yay!" Mum beamed and straightened up, "Well, you girls know where everything is, so I'll just pop into the bathr - Andii, what are you doing down there?"
"Erm..." I looked up awkwardly from under the table, "I was looking... for... my fifty cents."
While Mum stared at me, Cecily began to tiptoe into the living room.
"Riiiiight. So anyway - Leelee!" - I took this opportunity to duck under the table again - "Andii!"
Mum dragged us by our collars and dumped us in front of the fridge.
We began the impossible.
"No - Lee - STOP!" I screamed thirty seconds into the making.
FSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHH... POP.
The kitchen tiles were covered with Rice Bubbles.
"Oops," Cecily said meekly.
Oops indeed.
I stared at the mess then looked at the ceiling for a sign.
We heard barking.
"Hey, it's Popeye!" Cecily said gleefully, running to the kitchen door and opening it.
"Popeye?" I repeated, confuzzled, "Hey - but - he's a dog!"
With a few joyful woofs, Popeye came trotting in like he owned the place. Then he slid on the rice bubbles and began to bark as he went skidding around.
"Ah - ah - AH!" I shrieked, picking up the nearest object (a can opener) and swiping it around, "Stop ice-skating, boy!"
"I'll stop him," Cecily announced. Before I could scream, "NO, FOR THE LOVE OF CAKE!", she had taken down a packet of Schmackos ("Dogs go whacko, dogs for whacko for Schmackoooossssss!") and was waving it in front him.
I groaned.
Popeye is already a very energetic dog.
We don't need him any more whacko.
"Here, boy!" Cecily called, waving them more vigorously.
"Lee," I croaked, still holding the can opener, "Please. Stop. Now."
Popeye's ears had suddenly gone still and he looked at Cecily interestedly.
"WOOF WOOF!"
She screamed when Popeye leapt over her and grabbed the packet of whacked up dog treats from her. She fell back onto her butt and looked quite shocked.
"That," I said heavily, shutting the kitchen door on the white Toy Poodle who was woofing away happily with his prize, "Is why you never adopt a puppy like Popeye."
"Why not?" Cecily asked, confused, as she tried to get back up.
"Uh - never mind," I responded swiftly, "Come on, we need to cook breakfast."
Easier said than done. In thirty minutes, my sister and I successfully burnt bacon, eggs and toast, as well as accidentally pour orange juice instead of milk on cereal, (Cecily's doings, not mine) and confuse tea leaves with coffee beans (yours truly).
It took us a further fifteen minutes to serve the quite possibly poisonous food, then tidy up the huuuuuge mess we had made.
Daddy and Mum came in, fully dressed, looking ready for the day, which I'm sorry to say I think their dear daughters ruined when they saw what they would be having for the most important meal of the day.
"Well," Daddy said blankly, "This looks... appetising."
"Oh, doesn't it?" I asked, only half-sarcastically. I wiped some flour from my hair. I have no idea where that came from.
"I think I'll make do with some coffee," Daddy said quickly, grabbing his mug. He immediately spat the beverage into the sink, "Great Scott, what is in this?"
"Chinese 'erbal tea!" Cecily said proudly, " 'Fore Sis put some Nescafe into it."
"SHH!" I hissed, cursing intelligent three-year-olds.
"You put tea in this?"
"Hey! They look the same!"
"They most certainly do not."
"Mum," I immediately rounded on my mother, "Why did you get us to make breakfast?"
"Yeah, why did you?" Daddy demanded.
"Yeah!" Cecily chimed in.
"What, so now it's my fault?" Mum looked huffy, "I think the girls did a great job."
"Huh!" I exclaimed, more of a statement than a question, "As if, woman!"
"What's wrong with Popeye?" Mum asked swiftly, "He's lying in the hallway. I think he's sick."
"Lee gave him a whole pack of Sch - "
"I'm hungry!" Cecily wailed loudly.
"Eat some of this, dear sister," I said, lifting a spoon of burnt eggs to her mouth.
"EW! GO AWAY!" She screamed and ran behind Mum.
"Aww, c'mon, just a bite!" I began chasing her with the spoon and she screamed and ran away.
It was complete, utter chaos.
When Daddy finally left for work and Mum had cleaned out the kitchen, and Cecily was dressed properly and was watching Sesame Street, I went up to my room to finish the rest of my unpacking.
Andii's Dictionary
unpacking1
Pronunciation Key ('un-PAC-king')
n.
The
art of gathering scattered garments strewn around bedroom in question
by Subject: Little Sister and transferring articles of
clothing into laundry basket.
Yay.
Cecily had pretty much upturned my suitcase so that all my clothes were spilling out, and she had also torn apart my night bag. You know, in search for her souvenir.
Hehe... souvenir.
Anywho, my unpacking was finished rather quickly and Mum came up and screamed bloody murder when she saw my overflowing laundry basket.
"You know," I said in a dignified voice as I picked up a pink top and threw it across Mum's shoulder, "The CGL people did wash my clothes."
"Their soap is foreign and not to be trusted," Mum sniffed disdainfully, juggling to carry the basket, "Now how's about you go visit Claudey? She's been here about twice every week."
"Oooh, yes. Claude," I said cheerfully, "Yes, I remember her."
"Yes, your best friend since forever?" Mum said a bit sarcastically as Cecily slipped in, clutching a stuffed Cookie Monster.
"I wanna go to Claude's house!" she announced.
I glanced at Mum who glanced back at me. With a heavy sigh, she dumped the basket she had just managed to hold steadily back onto the floor and said, "Leelee, honey, why don't we leave Sis alone for the morning? She needs to catch up with her friends."
"But I wanna see Claude!"
She was starting to wail. Not a good sign.
"No, Leelee, you're going to come help me wash Sis' clothes. Yay! Isn't that exciting?"
I snorted in laughter as Cecily pouted.
Mum looked at me helplessly and I grinned at her to show that I wasn't going to have a part in this.
That means you'll probably end up dragging Cecily with you to Claude's.
Good morrow, that's not good.
"Washing is fun!" I reassured Cecily, crouching down to her level. Despite her having greyish-blue eyes and beach blonde hair, we look alike a lot. Same facial features, or something like that.
We're both also very petite and vertically challenged, though I'm sure I was never that small.
Never.
Cecily looked at me in disbelief.
"Err - " I looked around desperately, and Mum grinned at me much like the way I had before, "Umm... c'mon, there's even a song about washing clothes! Everybody, washing in the laundry room, eeeeeeverybody, washing in the laundry room, eeeeeeeeeveryboooooody washing in the laundy-rooooooooom, banging on the - err... powder and... machines!"
Mum had put her hand to her forehead and slowly walked away. Cecily was rolling her eyes.
"Sis, that was really horrible. What do you think I am, a little kid?"
Err - yeah?
However, I said, "Of course not, my dear, old, unyouthful, wrinkled child. I mean, adult. Just go skedaddle off and wash now. Oh, mother!" I said cheerily, and Mum gave a hardly audible groan as she turned around and ambled back, "Take the dear old Leelee to the laundry room. I'm off to Claudette's!"
"Have fun," Mum said in a way that you could hardly detect her sarcasm. She took Cecily's hand and waved at me as I flourished out of my bedroom and narrowly avoided stacking it down the stairs.
Oi. I'm pretty sure they weren't that close to my bedroom door before. Inanimate objects these days.
I was haunted by the uncomfortable thought that I had forgotten to do something extremely important as I skipped merrily towards my best friend's house.
---
The EX-Project Dis-Inspect Camp Green Lake - Un-Journal
22nd of August.
Mood:
meh
Time: almost 10pm, I think
Mmm... this diary thing was supposed to be especially for keeping track at CGL, but I don't care. I went to see Claude today. She was beyond estastic. I spent the whole day at her house. We added music to my new iPod (mum and dad's real b'day present for me) and tried making a lemon meringue pie. It burst into flames, if you'd believe that. But mostly, we just talked. Talked and talked and talked. I was gonna tell her everything about Squid, but in the end I told her basically what I had told my parents. I have no idea why I'm keeping all of this to myself. It's a secret I shall take with me to my grave. That's a bit sad. I wanna tell someone about Squid, but at the same time, I don't.
Another thing's bothering me as well. I feel really bad. Like I'm sick constantly. It keeps me from being naturally cheerful. I mean, I'm really glad to see my family and friends again, but part of me is holding back. I've never felt like this before. Sometimes, I just feel like crying. How is this even normal? I'm home. But I don't feel like I am.
23rd of August.
Mood:
sad
Time: 9:04pm
Today I went to the beach with Claude and Minda and Vee. It was great, hanging with them. I suppose I just didn't feel up to it. Mum thought I was sick because I didn't say much at dinner, so she told me to go to bed early. That was around 8:30. I've been lying here for half an hour, not even thinking. I feel really horrible. Maybe I am sick?
Time: 9:32pm
Uh oh. I just realised I have a meeting with Mr. AG in three days' time. I don't think I can stand it, sitting with that evil man and recounting about my visit. Sigh.
24th of August.
Mood:
content
Time: 9:25pm
I'm feeling better now. I spent all of today in bed because Mum thought I was sick. I got treated like a princess. I felt completely lousy and did nothing but read and stare into space. But now I feel better. Tomorrow Claude and I are gonna go clothes shopping, and that always cheers me up. I'm looking forward to it. It's been awhile since I've looked forward to something, so that's gotta be good, right?
25th of August.
Mood:
hehehe
Time: 7:30pm
AHAHAHA! I'm so tired, hehehe. Had a great time at the mall. Claude and I laughed over pretty much everything. We had so much fun. We bought tons and then we ate ice cream and candy and Claude thought she saw Hugh Grant and yelled at the poor lookalike. It was hilarious. I've gotta eat dinner now, bye bye!
26th of August.
Mood:
bamboozled
Time: 9:32pm
Have a meeting with the AG tomorrow. Claude wanted to know why I don't wanna go, and I told her I don't like him. She agrees with me because he has a funny nose. Don't ask. Anyway, in hopes to cheer me up, Mum said Claude can sleepover tomorrow night after the meeting. It shall be fun. I hope, anyway. Didn't do much today. I actually did a tiny bit of my homework that Vee brought for me, since I had missed out on quite a bit. Something about the First World War. Argh, who cares anyway.
I'll write up what happens tomorrow at the meeting. For now, fare thee well and sleep tight.
---
THE NEXT MORNING
I woke up.
It was ten-thirty.
"SUGAR! I have to be at that place at eleven!" I shrieked, literally leaping up from my bed.
Phase one begins.
"Andii, Andii, Andii!" Mum banged in while I was trying to pull my denim pleated skirt over my PJ's, "You're going to be late!"
"Thank you for that observation!" I yelled, wildly yanking on a pink Von Dutch jacket over my white polo shirt.
"Uh - I'll make breakfast!" Mum immediately bustled out.
In twenty minutes (a record), I had managed to get dressed and clean myself up. I grabbed a white ribbon and wrapped it around my brown hair so that it wound up in a ponytail. Then I thundered down the stairs into the kitchen.
As soon as I walked in, Mum chucked a piece of toast at me. I shrieked and managed to catch it.
"C'mon, we gotta leave now!" Mum was possibly more worried than me. Hey, being punctual for the Attorney General is pretty important.
"Okay, okay," I tried to say through the toast, "Where's Cecily?"
"Over at Lot's. Now, come on."
I had reached the front door and Mum was rummaging for the car keys when I remembered something.
"Argh! I need to bring my notes and everything! Hold for a moment!" I turned around and sprinted back up the stairs, with Mum yelling after me to hurry up.
I almost tripped as I stumbled into my bedroom, looking around frantically. For a moment, I forgot what I was supposed to be looking for, which always happens especially when I'm in a rush. Then I saw my denim bag sticking out from under my bed, and I dove for it. Quickly, I pulled out my notebook with all the sheets in it, and left my bag on the rug. While I was straightening up, I saw my iPod sitting on my bedside table and grabbed that as well.
If Mum could've flown the car to wherever we were going, I'm sure she would've. I was afraid she'd get fined for speeding and rushing the yellow lights, but God was with us and we arrived at the important office only six minutes late.
Once we were inside, Mum stopped acting like a headless chook and regained her cool and sophisticatedness. She told the receptionist who we were and why we were here, and then I was ushered into some private room.
"Hello, Andromeda," Mr. AG shook my hand, then he shook my mum's, "And hello, Mrs. Williams. Andromeda, please take a seat. Mrs. Williams, would you care for a cup of tea? You may have it while you wait outside. We won't be long, say, fifteen minutes."
MUM'S NOT STAYING WITH ME?
Oh, well.
I'm a big girl.
I couldn't help but feel a bit trembly and scared though. Maybe this AG guy is an IMPOSTER.
Oh, come off it. You spent an entire month with criminal boys by yourself. Surely you can wait fifteen minutes in a nice cosy office with an important official dude, and your mum within screaming distance.
I hate that side of me.
When Mum had left the room, I kinda stared at my nails. Which were appalling. I have a horrible habit of biting them when I'm nervous. See, one of them is inserting itself between my teeth right at this moment.
"So, Andromeda," (I hate it when people call me that), "Did you have a pleasant stay?"
Oh, yes. It was absolutely enjoyable. I had the time of my life, out in the desert with hardly any water and with the sun burning me. I made so many friends with boys that were twice my size and were sometimes perverted. There was also this awesome room with broken sofas - sofas can be broken, so don't you dare try to correct me - and a silly pool table, and there was this great piece of technology called a television that displayed the most fascinating movies: NOTHING. The food. Don't even get me started about the food. It was scrumptious. We had beans on sticks covered in sludge sauce and this was all served with a canteen of delicious non-alcoholic water and the bedding was terrific; everyone got to stay in a metre-of-space with a public bathroom complete with cheap shampoos and soaps and they gave us a complimentary alarm clock everyday with a free newspaper (haha, just kidding; there was no newspaper) so there WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO SHUT UP NOW?
I was so close to saying all that.
I told the AG what he wanted to hear, entwined with the truth. He went "ooh" and "ahh" and frowned and smiled when it was appropriate, and nodded and "mmmed" and shook his head and closed his eyes and wiggled his hips in the rhythm of the Macarena.
When I had finished, I looked back at my nails.
"I see."
I narrowed my eyes.
So that's all he says.
I see.
I SPENT A WHOLE FRICKIN' MONTH AT THAT PLACE THAT EMOTIONALLY DAMAGED ME AND HE SAYS I SEE?
I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS.
I'M GOING TO COMPLAIN TO THE GOVERNMENT.
I'M GOING TO -
Argh. Who cares.
It could've been worse.
He could've said something like "oh" or "okay" which would've been much worse.
I'm going to poison his coffee.
Bwahahahahahahaha.
I suddenly felt my stomach leap, as if I had missed going down a stair. I frowned. I felt a bit sick.
Now I just wanna go back to my bed and hide there.
"I trust you have all the reports?" the AG was saying.
"Oh. Yeah," I tuned out of my receptive thinking and handing him my sky-blue notebook.
"And the cassette tape I sent over?"
Oh.
Sugarmuffins.
That's what I forgot.
"Um," I looked around for an escape, "Yeah. I think... I left that at home."
"Oh," he seemed quite surprised for a moment, "Well, that's fine. Have it mailed to me or ask your mother to drop it off within the next week, all right?"
"Oh. Sure," I said absently.
My stomach gave another odd lurch and for a moment I thought I was going to collapse. But somehow I made my way out of the office and into the car where Mum drove me back home.
I stayed quiet during lunch.
I stayed quiet when Cecily came back home and asked me how "Mr. Alien" was.
I stayed quiet when Claude came over and our sleepover began.
I stayed quiet when she asked me what was wrong.
I stayed quiet when we ate dinner.
I stayed quiet when we watched A Walk To Remember. Claude was blubbering like a child, and usually I'd be right along with her, bawling my eyes out. But for the first time, I didn't shed a tear while I watched Landon hug his father.
I stayed quiet when it was time to sleep.
I stayed quiet when I finally fell asleep.
---
I woke up in the middle of the night as abruptly as though someone had slapped me across the face. The playroom we always had sleepovers in was pitch black except for the small lights coming from the DVD player that hadn't been switched off yet. Claude was sleeping like a baby next to me, with Popeye curled down at our feet.
I blinked a couple of times, then quietly rustled over to the power point and flicked the DVD switch off.
I didn't feel the least bit tired and I couldn't figure out why. The meeting at the AG was still haunting me, although it wasn't horrifying or anything. It just felt... odd. And that stupid feeling in my chest and stomach had quite dispersed yet. In fact, it was stronger than ever. That was probably what woke me up. That dull, horrible, sinking feeling.
What is wrong with me?
My reports... I wonder if they're any good. I wonder if the AG will even take me seriously. I wonder if they're actually going to close CGL down. I wonder if they're going to send more inspection people over to check. I mean, they can't really rely on the opinion of a fourteen-year-old, can they?
I buried my face in my pillow.
Why did they choose me in the first place? Wouldn't it make much more sense if they sent an adult representative? It could've been dangerous for me. And in some ways, it was. But... where will the boys go if they do close the camp down? Surely not to jail. They're not criminals. Not really. They just weren't lucky, especially Caveman.
I chuckled very, very quietly.
Then I sighed.
All this feels so, so hopeless.
...What am I talking about?
Confused and suddenly a tiny bit sad, I got up from my sleeping bag and headed for the bathroom. Afterwards, I found my footsteps going towards my bedroom.
Then I stumbled over one of Cecily's silly toys.
I restrained myself from cursing at it.
When I entered my room, I left the door slightly ajar before flicking on my lamp. With a small sigh, I sat on my bed and just stared at the pastel pink walls. Then I turned my head and my eyes fell on my denim bag that was still lying on my fluffy white rug, where I had left it this morning.
"Oh, you dear bag," I murmured, kneeling down and tenderly picking it up, "You're so faithful and you put up with me so much. Did you enjoy your trip to Camp Green Lake? I bet you didn't; after all, I did drag you all over the place. You probably have a lot of sand in your eyes, huh? Not to worry, I'll get Mummy to wash you so you're clean and fresh."
It was while I was talking to my bag (shh) that I realised it was still kind of heavy. Putting my hand in, I took out the cassette tape and my digital camera.
Frowning slightly, I sat down properly with my legs crossed and put the tape down. I turned my camera on and it made its usual tinkle while it loaded.
Popeye buried his nose in the gap between the door and the doorframe and came trotting over to me. I smiled and put an arm around him.
"Hey, Pop," I greeted softly as he sat on the rug, his tail wagging and his little face peering at my camera.
The first photo loaded. I had to laugh. It was Zigzag eating his cereal. His eyes were bulging out in surprise.
Popeye whimpered.
"That's Zigzag," I explained to him, "He has nice hair, eh?"
Popeye let out a soft woof.
I clicked onto the "next" button.
The next couple of photos were individuals or pairs of the boys as they dug, ate, drank water, talked and laughed. Seeing the photos made me feel like I was reliving my... wonderful experience.
It felt nice.
I grinned when I saw a couple of Squid and me fighting over our hats.
Popeye took a liking to the boys. I knew because he would let out a soft woof every now and then.
Then something else occurred to me and I got up. Popeye circled around my camera which I left on the rug and then perched himself in front of it, looking intently at the photo of Squid giving me a piggy back.
I got my cassette/CD player and placed it on the rug as well. I plugged it in and popped the cassette in. After rewinding it, I turned the volume near low and pressed "play".
Click.
"Err... hi. My name is... X-Ray. Well actually, it's really Rex, but we all have nicknames here. Yeah. Uh... we're from Group D, and... our... leader is... uhhh..."
"Mr. Pendanski."
"Oh, yeah! Thanks Caveman. So yeah. Umm... so I'm X-Ray."
"Ziiiiigzaaaag."
"Heh... Squid."
"Armpit. Sup, man!"
"You're weird. Magnet. And shoutouts to my Espagnol buddies! Priiiiiide!"
"You realise this is going to the Attorney General. Caveman."
"Zero."
"D-TENT PRIDE!"
"That was uncalled for."
Click.
I grinned.
I was wonderfully reminded of what I had come to know over the month; these guys are funny.
X-Ray spoke next. He was whispering.
"Man... the other guys are sleeping... I'm just gonna 'pologise quickly for the b'fore entry... yeah, sorry 'bout that. It got kinda outta hand. But yeah. Anyway, we like the 'lil gal... Annie. She's chilly. Err, that means she's... nice. Yeah. We like her. I speak on behalf of D-tent. I mean, we do all like her. Oh, shat, gotta go. Later."
Click.
"Hi! I don't like this camp. Please close it down."
"Magnet, what are you doing?"
"Oh, I'm using this device the chicka gave us. BURN CAMP GREEN LAKE, I SAY!"
"Ooooh. Cool. Hey, what did you think of that new kid?"
"You mean in A-tent? He looks shifty."
"Hmmm. Yeah. I guess."
"Hey guys, whatcha doin'? Hey, are you recording an entry?"
"Huh? Oh, shoot! It's still on!"
Click.
"Hey - uh - Mr. AG guy. I'm Armpit. I just wanted to say if you could please give more money to this camp to get better food and stuff. The food here is sick. And there's not enough to go around. Thanks, man."
Click.
"I'm Zero. I think Andii is a really nice person. She's helped us out a lot. I'm not sure how. She's somehow made us all closer, and I've had so much more fun ever since she arrived here. She's a very bright person and a lot of fun. Thanks for sending her here."
Click.
My hand had pushed the "pause" button. My face was set and still and I couldn't think properly. I felt my bottom lip quiver and agonising tears welled up in my eyes.
I felt something wet trickle down my face as I clicked the "play" button again.
"Yooooooo! It's Squid and Zig heeeeere!"
"Hi hi, AG man! We loooooooove you."
"But we love the 'lil girl more! Whooo for the 'lil girl!"
"Yeah, dude, she rocks. WE LOVE YOU, 'LIL GIRL! Actually, Squid loves her even more, if you get what I mean. Hehehehe..."
"ZIG YOU PIECE OF - "
Click.
I couldn't hold back anymore; the tears spilled out uncontrollably and I started to sob. The tears kept coming and coming as I buried my face in my bed and cried. My chest felt heavy and it ached like crazy. Whenever I thought about one of the boys, the pain would intensify only to come out in more tears. Popeye whimpered and nudged his head against my knee, but I couldn't stop.
I... I just really miss them.
...And how am I supposed to know if Squid is even alright? He could still be in hospital... he could be seriously hurt... and the boys... I... I can't believe I'll never be able to see them again. I don't think I can live like this.
"Sis?"
Oh, no.
Cecily slipped in, a small dressing gown wrapped around her little body. She rubbed her eyes and toddled over to me.
"Sis?" she repeated. She climbed into my lap and pulled my hands away from my face, "What's wrong, Sis? Does your tummy hurt?"
"No," I whispered, wiping away a few tears and trying to pull away, "You shouldn't be out of bed. Just go back to your room and sleep, sweetie. I'm okay."
Cecily didn't say anything. She simply wrapped her small arms around my neck and sat in my lap for awhile.
I don't know why, but it just made me cry harder. I started sobbing again and more tears trickled down my face. But Cecily only continued to hold me the way she was and singing nursery rhymes my parents and I sing to her whenever she's upset.
This may sound crazy, but I enjoyed her company. It helped me calm down. Her childish and slightly off-key version of "She'll Be Coming 'Round The Mountain" made me feel better. And slowly, as more tears poured out, that horrible ache I had been feeling for a week began to disappear.
Just when I was about to put Cecily back to sleep, my parents and Claude appeared in the doorway.
"What's going on?" Daddy mumbled, still half-asleep.
"Yeah, I'm trying to - " Claude finished yawning and she clapped her hand to her mouth, "Oh! Sweetie, why are you crying? Aww, don't cry! You poor thing." She flew over to me and hugged me tightly; Cecily still had her arms wrapped around my neck.
"Her tummy hurts," she filled in innocently.
Mum's eyes widened as she too came over, "Andii, dearie, whatever is the matter? You never cry, my little pumpkin pie." With that, she crushed me some more by wrapping her arms around Claude, who had her arms wrapped around me, Cecily still dangling from my neck.
Yes, 'twas kind of painful.
Something rose in my heart and I realised just how lucky I was to have such a loving family.
I was crying again.
"Sweetie, don't cry," Claude murmured, pulling away and looking at me remorsefully, "You're gonna make me cry now."
Daddy was looking at my digital camera suspiciously. Mum glanced over at him and threw him a stern look. She gave me one last quick squeeze and took him by the arm.
"You girls stay right here. Daddy and I are going to go make some hot chocolate and we can all talk when we come back. Okay?"
Claude and Cecily nodded.
I suddenly felt ashamed.
My parents went downstairs and I was left sitting on the floor awkwardly. I sniffled and Claude handed me a Moshi Moro tissue. I gave her a small smile and blew my nose.
Cecily released my neck and curled herself comfortably in my lap. Claude perched herself next to me against my bed and put an arm around me.
"So," she said quietly, "What's up?"
I stayed silent for a moment or two. Then I was about to answer when Cecily tilted up her head and said, "Hey, Sis, who's that boy that's piggy-ing you?"
Claude looked at my camera and clasped her hands together, "Whoa, he's cute!"
I had to smile, "He's... Squid."
"Oooooh!" Claude grinned devilishly, "Squiddy-boy? You two look... chummy."
I went a tiny bit red, "Uhh... well, yeah. I made a lot of good friends at CGL."
"He's handsome," my innocent, little, boys-hating, cooties-ewing sister said decisively. She suddenly got a dreamy look on her face and she giggled, "Sis, are you gonna marry him?"
"Huh? What - no!" I exclaimed hotly as Claude burst into laughter and high-fived my giggling sister, "Honestly, woman!"
"Oh, c'mon Andii. At least you aren't crying anymore," Claude smirked at me in a very annoying way, "Say... why were you crying? Is it because you miss little Squiddeeee?"
I stayed quiet.
Claude suddenly stopped laughing.
"Oh, sweetie. You like him, don't you?" she whispered, looking at me with wide eyes, "And not just like-like," she continued in a hushed voice, "You... it's like... almost... y'know... really, really, really like?"
I said nothing.
Cecily decided she didn't want to be left out anymore.
"Is he your Prince Charmin'?" she wanted to know.
Claude looked at me expectantly.
The thought of Squid riding a white horse made me snort in laughter. I thought Claude would laugh too, but she looked completely scared and confused.
"But he's... a delinquent," she said anxiously, "Andii, they aren't good people. They're... bad."
"They're all good people," I responded a bit wearily, "Just because they're not filthy rich and spoilt brats. I don't think you'll meet anyone else more honest and caring than them, even if they do act like hardcore cows at times."
Claude stared at me.
Cecily continued to gaze at my camera.
My parents appeared with Daddy carrying a tray of glasses filled with hot chocolate. Mum bustled in and began handing them out. Soon, we were all seated on my bedroom floor, sipping our drinks awkwardly.
"Andii," Daddy finally spoke up, "Who is that boy?"
Mum glared at him. He shrunk a little.
"Um," to my horror, I blushed again, "He's - "
"Squid's his name," Cecily squealed cheerfully, oblivious to the tense atmosphere that was surrounding her.
Daddy's eyes widened, "Squid? What kind of parent names their child after sea creatures?"
Mum whacked him on the arm, "Honestly, Jay. Could you be anymore insensitive? If our daughter trusts this boy enough to let him piggy-back her, it doesn't matter what his name is, even if it is extremely... unusual."
"Unusual?" Daddy snorted, "There, now. You're just being nice. We both know it is one very strange name."
"Regardless of his name - " Mum started.
"Which is an odd one, at that," Daddy muttered, winking at me. I smiled back.
Mum rolled her eyes, then turned to me, "Andii, pumpkin, who is this boy? And why have you been so quiet and not-yourself since you came back from that camp? Is something troubling you?"
"You know, you told us about your stay there," Daddy said soothingly, "But how's about you tell us everything? Who knows, maybe we can help. Your mother and I are pretty hunky-dory, you know."
Claude's eyes widened and an oh-too familiar expression crossed her face.
Shut up, I warned her with my eyes.
That, however, was unnecessary, as Mum, looking utterly disturbed, turned to Daddy and repeated in a disgusted voice, "Hunky-dory?"
Daddy looked taken-aback for a moment. He turned to look at us four females, probably hoping for some sign of help. Sorry papa, you're on your own this time.
"What?" he finally said, "Isn't that what you youngsters use nowadays? Hunky-dory?"
"Don't say that again!" Mum exclaimed just as Claude turned away and started shaking in silent laughter.
Cecily looked puzzled and I managed a smile.
"Well, despite your father being a complete ditz - " Mum began, ("Oh, so those are the sorts of crude words you use today!") " - I would like to hear everything about your trip to Camp Green Lake. I'm quite sure much more than what you told us happened over there. Please, sweetie. Trust us. We won't bite you or anything."
I looked at my mother, and she smiled encouragingly. Daddy still looked a bit irritated with the whole "hunky-dory" thing, but he gave me a shrug when our eyes met, which meant he wanted me to talk as well. Claude nudged me and nodded.
Finally, I looked at Cecily. She looked back at me and said, "Tell 'em, Sis. Mummy and Daddy were good at mending Snuffles."
Whatever that meant.
"Fine, fine," I said with a small sigh.
Their faces glowed with happiness, joy and pride, and I had no idea why.
So I told them. Every little bit. How disgusted I was when I first arrived there. How mean the boys were. How we made up to each other. How we had grown close as the days wore on. Everything.
When I finished, Cecily was asleep on my bed, with a little arm wrapped around Popeye, who was also curled up on my doona. Claude and Mum looked like they were in tears. Daddy looked like he was on the verge of laughter or on the brink of hitting someone.
Mismatched emotions, anyone?
"Oh, honey," gasped Mum, "That is such a sweet story. Did that boy really defend you? That is so... chivalrous."
Daddy rolled his eyes. Unfortunately for him, Mum saw and elbowed him.
"You never did anything like that for me," she accused, taking a Moshi Moro tissue and blowing her nose.
"Of course I didn't! The very idea," Daddy scoffed.
I smiled.
Claude's eyes were shiny, "Oh Andii, that is such a perfectly elegant story! You must go back to see him and tell him how you really feel! You will, won't you?"
I looked at her in disbelief, and for a moment forgot my parents were right there, "As if the parentals will let me!"
There was silence for a moment.
"Actually, sweetie," Mum sniffled, "It can't really do much harm... to go back... say a final goodbye... those boys sound very sweet. And Squid especially; what a gentleman!"
"A gentleman?" Daddy deadpanned.
"You know what I mean," Mum said dismissively, blowing her nose again, "He stood up for your daughter! You should be on your knees, worshipping him."
Daddy stared at her for what seemed like a long time. Finally, he said, "You are still as dimwitted as you were when you were fourteen."
"Hey! I'm fourteen!" Claude and I exclaimed at the same time.
"No one's denying your intelligence," Daddy said, still staring at Mum who was rolling her eyes, "But this one, on the other hand - DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES AT ME!"
"Honestly, you're such a child."
"Me? A child? Who was still watching Beauty and the Beast and Sailor Moon when they were a teenager?"
Mum glared at him.
Daddy glared back.
Claude and I glanced at each other. I rolled my eyes. She grinned and mouthed, "They're so CUTE!"
I can put up with that remark when it's about anyone else but my parents.
"Stop it, you two," I commanded.
My parents stopped glaring at each other and turned to me.
"We're going to go drive you back to Camp Green Lake to see Squid and those boys again," Mum said firmly.
Daddy gasped, "We're going to what?" at the same time as I exclaimed, "You're going to what?" and Claude squealed, "Road trip!"
"You can't be serious," I quickly said before anyone else had the chance to cut in.
"I'm serious," Mum said placidly.
"You are so not serious," Daddy said blankly, staring at her once again.
"I am very serious."
"Can I come too?" Claude asked cheerfully.
Mum smiled at her, "Of course you can."
"Well, I'm sorry to say, Claude, that you aren't coming, because no one is going anywhere," Daddy said, sounding more confused and puzzled rather than aggressive.
"Don't be silly, Jay. You know what it's like to be young and in love," Mum snapped.
"I'm not in love," I muttered, flushing again.
"What d'you mean?" Daddy demanded, having not heard me.
Mum rolled her eyes once again, "Don't you remember when we were fourteen? You kicked one of your friends just because he accidentally stepped on my skirt when I was sitting down in the middle of a corridor."
Daddy narrowed his eyes though embarrassment sat on his brow, "What's that have to do with anything?"
"It means you do strange and stupid things and that is what makes love so wonderful and memorable. It's utterly crazy and mental, and as good parents and guardians we are going to transport our fourteen-year-old daughter back to that desert and reunite her with that sweet boy who reminds me of you so very much, do you understand me?" Mum said all of this in one breath and rather aggressively. She had also picked up a very sharp pencil and was holding it up threateningly.
Daddy eyed the pencil and said weakly, "Yes, ma'am."
Mum smiled sweetly, "I thought you would." She put on a much more human smile for me and Claude, "Now, you girls better go to sleep. We'll talk some more in the morning about this little road trip."
"It's over nine hours long," was all I could say.
"I like long car trips," Daddy said suddenly and unexpectedly.
Mum, Claude and I all looked at him strangely.
"What? I do!" he exclaimed, slightly defensive.
"Of course you do," Mum said finally, not lowering the dangerously sharp pencil, "Pull the covers over Leelee tighter, will you? I don't want her getting sick."
With that, my parents left my room. I heard them bickering heartily.
Claude and I sat in silence for a couple of minutes.
"This can't be happening," I finally said, "I'm dreaming, aren't I? Please slap me."
"If you insist," Claude said cheerfully, smacking me on the arm.
"OUCH! Okay. I just imagined that hurt. It's all part of a very painful dream. Slap me again, dreamwoman."
"Okie doke."
Smack.
"Ouch. I imagined the pain again. Pinch this time, will you?"
"Alrighty."
Pinch.
"Ow."
"Wanna go again?"
"Yes, please."
Pinch.
"...Ow. Please do that again."
"Um, Andii? I think you're awake."
"No, I'm not giving up until I know I'm dreaming."
SLAP.
"OW!" I howled, clutching my knee, "What was that for?"
Claude looked quite calm, "I want you to be sure that you are NOT DREAMING!" She screamed the last part in my ear and I yelped and fell back. Cecily stirred.
"Okay, okay!" I mumbled, "I'm awake. Now. I was asleep before, wasn't I?"
Claude rolled her eyes.
"Don't hit me!" I threw up my arms, "So I was awake the whole time. Big deal."
"That means we're going to go to that camp place and you can cast yourself into the arms of your lover-boy," Claude sighed dreamily.
I rolled my eyes, "This is so mental."
"Yeah, well," Claude let out a huge yawn, "We better sleep on it."
"Mmmm," I also yawned, feeling lighter and happier than I had been for awhile, "Let's head back to the playroom, then."
"Aww, but it's so far away," she whined, yawning again. She sleepily crawled onto my bed and settled beside Cecily, "Can we sleep here?" she mumbled, her eyes already shut.
I shrugged, "Sure. But you won't believe how Lee kicks."
Claude responded with another yawn.
I turned off my camera, my cassette player and my lamp. Then I crawled on my bed where Claude was already asleep, and curled up on the other side of Cecily.
I felt like a heavy load had been lifted from my shoulders as I drifted off to a luxurious sleep.
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A/N: WELL... hi everyone. - ducks from assorted rotten vegetables - OKAY! I know it's been quite some time... quite some very long time... but you shall nevre believe how unbelievably and unbearably and horribly busy I have been! Honestly. Do not kill me. I've been trying to juggle with stacks and stacks of homework, assignments and studies for exams, and wow, has it really been that long? Wait, I'm thinking... IT'S BEEN FOREVER! I should try to update sooner, yeah? Well, it was also hard to write this chapter. I rewrote the beginning about five times, no exaggeration. Hey... I like this song. :) Okie... yeah. HAPPY ENDING! Andii gets to see Squiddy! Yay! The thought of writing the next chapter scares the pants off me... but oh well. :) You know, so much has happened since my last update. And my birthday is in like two month's times! Man, it's been almost a year since I started writing this! How scary is that? I'm not sure if that's scary for you... but it is for me! I know you guys had lots of questions for me, but I'll answer them in the next chapter. Yeah? Thank you for understanding:) I love you all so much for reviewing (I almost typed 'updating'... shows I'm not thinking straight) and for reading. So please accept enclosed gummi bear. Hehe. I love gummi bears. They're so tasty! If you've emailed me, please... email me again. I can't keep track. I think I might go mad with everything I've got to do. Add that together with my natural laziness, and you've got yourself quite a pudding of a mess. That didn't make much sense, but I need to go and pretend I'm doing my maths homework ("consumer arithmetic" - how very intriguing) and then eat dinner. REMEMBER TO LOVE SUNNY BAUDELAIRE. :) - msq.
PS. How dare FF remove four of my Harry Potter stories. They make me so sad. :(