Bella II
Isabella spent that night researching all that she could on Camp Diamond. She had been to enough interviews to know that you don't just walk in unprepared about the company. The place looked very nice in the pictures and there were lots of smiling kids. Bella was also in love with the mission statement. It was all about building a relationship with nature and discovering the leader within every kid. Isabella would have loved to attend a camp like this when she was a younger, or to send Maria to this camp. It just wasn't possible with their current funds.
Bella had been sent away with Maria while their parents tried to work out finances with their family business possibly going under. She would be damned though if Maria heard any of this. The girls were heading to an old family friend's house at the moment. Isabella though was not going to exist purely on the charity of their friend who was much older, no longer worked and therefore would not be able to support a young adult and a growing 6-year-old girl. Which brought her thoughts back to the job offer, the nursing position came with newly built lodgings and a reasonable amount of pay. The only real issue would be Maria. Isabella would not leave her with their old friend Rosie. The poor woman would not be able to keep up with the very active 6-year-old.
Isabella looked at the sleeping girl beside her on the bed. Her red hair was spread out like a halo on the pillow, her little face was so peaceful. Pressing a kiss to her forehead she whispered, "Good night angel". Putting aside her laptop, questions and worries Isabella slipped into a blissful sleep.
*Journey to Happiness – Journey to Happiness – Journey to Happiness*
Pulling up to the camp gates the next day. Isabella took a deep breath. The tall arch bearing the camp name was both welcoming and intimidating. Feeling a small hand slip into her own Bella glanced down to see Maria looking up at her with a big smile and practically bouncing in excitement. Laughing a little the girls followed the signs to the office where they were to meet the camp owner Gladys.
The large front porch of the office building stood tall and proud. Isabella admired the view it provided of the lake and large lawn surrounded by cabins. The peace which one received being in nature enveloped the girls calming their hearts and leaving their worries behind. With joyful smiles the girls entered the building. "Ms. Gladys, we are here for a tour of the camp" called out Isabella. At first glance the room appeared to empty but then a pile of boxes began to shake as Gladys popped out from behind them.
"Girls! Welcome to Camp Diamond. You are on time, good…good, I like punctual people. I was just working on sorting the supplies for when the counselors arrive next week. But come on outside and we can start the tour". Sharing an amused look, the girls shook their heads and headed outside after the eccentric camp owner.
"Now this here is the great lawn" Gladys introduced. "All of the cabins here at camp circle it. The campfire in the center is where the campers spend most of their days. If you do accept the position here at camp you will have the responsibilities as nurse as well as a counselor. You will have to go through the same training and team building exercises. You will need to be able to work with others and also know when to take charge. We favor all types of leadership here and know that they are important. We seek to increase your leadership abilities and help you to grow in confidence and skills which you will need in the workplace".
All in all, it was sounding like a pretty good gig to Isabella. She had worked as a counselor at a camp when she had been in high school as well as being an RA in college. She totally had this in the bag!
Bella turned her attention back to Gladys as the woman continued her speech: "The cabins here are Grizzly, Woodchuck, Weasel, Wolf, Fox, Bunny and Owl. The newly built one at the far side of the lawn by the lake, Fox cabin, is the one which, if you accept the job, you will be head counselor of. Would you like to take a look inside?". On the outside the cabin appeared to Isabella to be a rather plain but she agreed none the less.
The cabin was beautiful on the inside. It was much larger than the Woodchuck cabin which Gladys had shown them as a reference. There were raised platforms around the room with queen sized beds. There was a wardrobe for each resident and a bedside table by each one with plenty of shelf space above the bed. Each raised area had a window with beautiful curtains. There was also an air conditioning unit which was not in any of the other cabins except the bunny cabin. The bathrooms included a beautiful shower large double sink, huge mirror, tub and linen cabinet. "Of course, these showers have clean water from a different source than the lake and a private water heater like the owner's lodge. If you need anything your position as Nurse of the camp gives you a credit card to use for any expense." Ok, Isabella was starting to get a bit freaked out by how desperate Gladys was to get a nurse and counselor, how hard could it really be?
"Gladys why did the last nurse quit, and were they counselor for fox cabin as well?" Gladys laughed at the question, putting Bella further on edge.
"The old nurse and I had some unsurpassable differences and no; she was not a counselor. Jaz was not really one to get along with the campers. Come on though we still have to see the rest of the camp. I'm sure Maria wants to see the lake". At that Maria stopped jumping on the bed and ran out the door pulling Gladys with her.
The rest of the tour went well. The infirmary had been amazing. Apparently, Jaz had burned down the infirmary when she quit which had also spread to the fox cabin resulting in the need to rebuild. The new infirmary had a kitchen and reading nook on the first floor along with a bedroom for the nurse with a state-of-the-art bathroom attached, as well as a second room for the sick/injured campers filled with supplies. Isabella had already begun to take stock of what was needed and how she planned to organize everything. There was a loft that was perfect for her office with a desk and chair but the rest would be up to Isabella.
Heading back to the main office Isabella read over the contract that Gladys presented. Isabella looked it over with wide eyes as she saw the large salary. "Gladys, are you sure that this is what you want to pay me? Is this the right contract?"
"Oh! Sorry here," Gladys said leaning across the table to swipe the contract. She crossed out the original amount and doubled it. "Is this better?"
With shaking hands Isabella accepted the new amount nodding her head rapidly. "Yes, that definitely works! When do I start?" exclaimed Isabella as she signed on the newly printed and edited contract. With that salary and Maria being here on scholarship she would be able to send money back to her parents!
"The rest of the counselors will begin to arrive on Wednesday, with everyone here by Friday to begin training. You are welcome to begin moving in whenever you see fit." A few phone calls later to their parents and their elderly friend, the girls were clear to move to camp!
I love hearing from y'all! Let me know what you think of the chapter and the story so far in the comments or my Tumblr Find-y0ur-j0y! - Xo Evie
