"Welcome to the Saint Francis Academy summer retreat!" a woman greeted them. She was the picture of a camp counselor: Khaki pants, broad smile, booming voice. The works. Her almond colored, slightly greying hair was swept up into a neat bun, which poked out from underneath a camouflage baseball cap. "We've got a full schedule for the next week. Lots of fun activities. We'll make s'mores in the evenings, go on kayaking trips, and take lots of nature hikes. Not to mention spending time in our fully stocked game room." She gestured to the room, which was a couple of yards away and featured a large ping pong table.
Peggy and her sisters were standing in a large, grassy clearing with the other students. Peggy was hungry and wanted lunch, but the woman kept talking.
"Tomorrow evening, we're going to have a dance," the woman continued. "Maybe, along with the new friendships you'll make, you'll find a summer romance to be in the cards."
She bobbed her eyebrows. Angelica looked scandalized. Eliza looked amused. Peggy looked at her feet and tried very hard not to think of Green Eyes.
The woman laughed at the obvious discomfort of the students. "Well, we don't have any activities planned for today, so I'll leave you to get acquainted with your fellow freshman and explore the grounds. We have a nice lunch prepared for you over there." She pointed to a picnic table with pizzas and bottles of soda laid out on it. Peggy's hunger intensified.
"Dinner is at seven. Be at the campfire by then. Until then, do whatever you want as long as it doesn't get you killed or get me in trouble with your parents."
And then she turned on her heel and left. Just like that.
"That was one of the chillest counselors I've ever met," said Angelica, impressed. "Even if she does tease us about summer romances."
"SUSTENANCE!" Peggy yelled, running to the picnic table. She thought she heard Green Eyes laugh, and she smiled. She grabbed a slice of pepperoni, along with Angelica. Eliza favored cheese pizza.
They sat under the shade of an oak tree to eat. When they were done, they rose up, and Angelica asked, "So, what do you girls wanna do for the rest of the day? Games room, maybe? Or we could check out that Gaga ball court-"
Then the funniest thing happened. Green Eyes stumbled into their midst as if he had been shoved there. His eyes were glued to Peggy's, and Peggy's eyes were glued to his.
"Hey," he said calmly.