Ugh, Whiskey.
Jean stretched in bed and reached for her phone while trying to open her eyes. The sunlight was torture. She glanced at the clock, it was eight in the morning. She sat up, propping her weight on her elbows as she glanced around the room. Everyone must already be at breakfast. Perhaps a little toast in her stomach would help ease the headache. She wasn't a big drinker, so this was a new sensation.
Her bare feet swept across the old worn hardwood floor and onto the cool tile of that bathroom. She stripped off her shorts and tank to step into the cool shower. The hot water heater didn't work that well, or hardly ever, but amidst a hot and humid summer it was never a problem. The cool water ran through her hair and cascaded down her curves. She closed her eyes, enjoying being back in the old home.
After returning to her room she threw on her well loved "Camp Xavier" t-shirt and ripped jean shorts. Her amber hair was still in thick damp ringlets, but it helped keep her cool. She slipped on a worn pair of sneakers before slipping out the back door.
She entered the lodge and was greeted by glorious wafts of fresh baked goodies and sausage. What in the world?
Typically, their volunteer chef for the summer just put out the toaster with some bread and cereal on days the campers weren't on site. The staffers never had such luck on their own in the kitchen. She walked up to the front of the large room to see a display of biscuits and gravy, fresh eggs, grits, and country potatoes. She wasn't much of a breakfast person, but she couldn't resist grabbing for a plate.
"Mon Amie, ma Cherie," A thick Cajun accent walked out of the swinging kitchen door with a fresh plate of crepes. Jean's mouth watered, the light and fluffy breakfast delicacies were her favorite.
The Cajun set the plate down with the rest of the feast, then wiped his paws on his apron. "Remy LeBeau, I'm da new chef," he extended his hand.
Ah yes, the new kitchen manager that Charles told her about. Jean grinned and put her hand into his, and immediately he brought it up to his mouth for a peck. She blushed.
"Jean," she replied and withdrew her hand, filling her plate with crepes, "This looks amazing!"
"Merci! I got da same reac'shun from yo' friends. Mon Dieu, do you all not eat?" He had a bandana tied around his head. She wasn't sure what she expected but it wasn't this lively character in front of her. She welcomed the change, especially the crepes.
Jean laughed, "We just aren't used to such," she looked at the spread wide eyed, "special treatment."
Remy raised his brows, "Eat, mon amie! There's plenty mo' where dat came from!" He turned and exited back into the kitchen.
Jean scurried over to the tables where the staffers were finishing up their meals, the lack of conversations was a change, everyone too busy eating. She saw an empty seat next to Hank and Marie.
"Oh my god," she mouthed to them as she plopped down on the wooden bench. "Can you actually believe this?"
"All that and some biscuits and gravy, honey," Hank snapped his hand in the air.
"All that, alright," Marie wasn't looking at her food, but her eyes fixed on the kitchen door. "Ah need to git me a man like that!"
"Oh honey, yes!" Hank put his hand in the air and Marie gave it a firm slap.
Jean was feeling restored and more human after a couple of bites. The crepes melted in her mouth so perfectly. "God, these are seriously the best."
She noticed Scott come through the door and work his way to the front, most likely admiring the meal as well. Jean's stomach turned in a knot suddenly remembering her humiliating 'walk' home.
"Summers!" Hank called out as he searched where to take a seat. Ugh, no.
Jean kicked Hank from under the table, "Stop!" she mouthed to him, her back to Scott.
"What?" He gave her a perplexed look, "God, don't be such a monster. You do need to eat!"
"Summers, sweetie, Jean has a seat right here for you!" He motioned over to the space on the bench. Kill me.
Scott paused a moment before taking the vacant spot. Jean looked down at his plate, just eggs and toast? He's so vanilla.
"Morning," he sipped a cup of black coffee. More boring, Jean thought.
She held her breath, hoping he wouldn't bring up last night.
"Jean was just telling us how divine the crepes are! You have to try one!" Hank gushed on, batting his lashes.
"Eh," Scott shrugged.
"Woah, you don't like crepes?" Jean had to comment on the crime.
Scott glanced at her plate, "I don't know, I've never had one."
Jean shrieked, "You've never had a crepe before?" Hank and Marie also looked up at him.
"Did ya grow up unda' a rock, Sugah?" Marie laughed.
Scott went back to his eggs, "Something like that."
Hank finished his plate and got up at the same time as Marie.
"Oh lord, well this is too much excitement for me this morning! I'll catch you all later," Hank locked arms with Marie and they took off.
Jean and Scott ate in silence side by side for a lifetime, well maybe it was just a minute. Time has a way of creeping by when the air is uncomfortable.
"Um, last night," she started, not sure what the hell she was going to say.
"Don't mention it." He finished his eggs and started on his toast.
Jean pushed around the small bits of food left on her plate, "You must think-".
He put his fork down, "It's really hard to pretend something didn't happen if you keep trying to talk about it."
And that was that. He was going to keep her secret like he agreed to the night before. Thank God.
He got up, "Logan needed some more help today, so I better go find him."
Logan. His name sent little tingles up her belly.
With some hard work and a little luck, the staffers managed to get the camp in order by the time the first campers arrived. The cabins were cleaned, camp store stocked, and activities planned for the upcoming kids. The camp hosted two-week sessions for various age groups. Starting the summer with the younger kids, each session was an older group of kids up through high school. They were primarily foster care kids, looking forward to this week every year, being free to be a kid without the harsh realities of their living situations creeping in on their little minds.
During a normal routine, the kids to get up at 7:00 a.m. to make their beds and tidy their cabins, then meet at the lodge for breakfast by 8:00 a.m. After they do a big camp activity like hiking, swimming, or play kickball. They returned to the main lodge for lunch around noon followed by an hour of quiet time in the cabin. The kids get the afternoons free, so they could hang out and make friends, craft, swim, and do whatever their hearts desired. Dinner was at 5:00 p.m. and afterwards they had a differently nightly activity until bedtime. Sometimes it was a bonfire, a movie in the lodge, or team building. Despite all the efforts to wear them out, they had ceaseless energy and soaked up all the fun. After the first week, staffers were surviving on little bits of sleep and loads of coffee.
Each staffer played counselor during the week, sleeping in their assigned cabins with about 10-12 campers. It was always amusing watching the newbies acclimate to this new role. Late nights, band aids on scrapes, shuffling kids around camp, lots of activities, peer mediating, encouraging growth, and minimal sleep. Essentially a counselor needs to be a parent, friend, lifeguard, mentor, coordinator, caretaker, teacher, planner, and guide for two weeks straight. It's not a glamourous lifestyle, but it fills up the heart. Giving these kids an opportunity to thrive is priceless.
Most of the campers returned every year, while a few of the lucky ones would occasionally get plucked for adoption. The truth was, older kids weren't favored for families over the little precious babies. Knowing this, the staffers always poured all their time, compassion, and energy into making these kids have the greatest two weeks of their year.
The best feeling was seeing a hundred curious and excited faces bounce off the school buses on opening day. Some of them were first timers who needed a little extra comforting, but usually by the end of camp they were begging to stay longer.
Scott was thrust into his new role of being a cabin counselor. The distraction was welcomed after his awkward first night with Jean. Bedtime was about nine in the evening, but none of the boys were sleeping until about midnight. They whispered eagerly in the dark to their new friends. Scott pretended he couldn't hear their gibberish banter or see their flashlights they snuck under the blankets as they read comics late into the night. He never had close friendships growing up and was amused and entertained by the boys. Let the kids be kids, he thought to himself. Typically, around midnight he would finally tell them it was "time for bed, for real this time." And the boys would simmer down and fall asleep for a few hours before springing about of bed with refreshed vigor in the morning.
During the first Friday of a camp session there is a tradition. The staffers take the kids for a couple mile hike in the woods and then set up tents and enjoy a weekend of real camping, ditching the cabins for a few nights. This gives some of the resident and volunteer staff a chance to get the camp in order for another week.
"How's this look?" Scott dumped a large bag on the ground that was slung over his shoulder.
The boys scurried around him like ants, "Yeah! Oh, this is so cool!" One of them jumped up in the air, a wild fit of excitement. Another boy had already picked up some sticks off the ground, "Can we build a fire now?" This made all their eyes light up and begin cheering, "Yeah! Yeah!"
Scott laughed, "Okay, one at a time. We need to get the tents set up first, then we can worry about the fire."
They were about a hundred feet from the edge of the lake. They whole camp hiked up together , shouts echoing off the trees could be heard as the rest of the groups picked their spots nearby. The tents were usually arranged in little clusters, with all of them relatively close since they shared the same fire for cooking.
"Aww," their shoulders drooped in disappointment, "But why, th'cott?" One little boy with a thick lisp asked. The boys grabbed the little tent bags, enough to fit two of them at a time. When they were finished they would have six tents total, five for two campers each and one for Scott.
"We've got to be smart," Scott tapped the top of his hat, motioning to his brain. "We need to use the rest of the sunlight to build our tents, then we will get our fire started. Otherwise it will just burn up wood while we work, and we need to practice being resourceful out in the wilderness."
The boys must have thought that was a good answer because they began chattering wildly as they dumped out their tent bags. A jumble of sticks and nylon. Scott realized this was going to take longer than intended so he started going around one by one to help them get their shelters assembled. On more than one occasion, he had to remind them that tent poles aren't swords.
As soon as their mini village was set up, it was time for hotdogs and s'mores. The kids sprang from one activity to the next with ceaseless stamina. Logan had the fire going at the edge of the lake. He always attended the camping weekends, he kept an eye on things in case there was an emergency. It seemed like there should be some sort of adult around. It helped that he looked like the kind of guy that could survive in the woods alone.
After all the bellies were full, most of the kids went back to their tents finally feeling the tiredness creep into their legs from the hike. Scott was helping tidy up when he noticed a shadow against the rim of the lake. He watched it a moment, an odd shape, and then it moved. He walked over to investigate.
"Full moon," a little boy sniffled, wiping his nose and hiding his tears with the back of his dirty arm. Scott recognized that the voice belonged to someone in his cabin.
"Sure is." Scott bent down and took a seat next to the boy. They both looked out onto lake shining by the light of the lone moon.
Scott knew the boy had been crying by the finishing sniffles and was now trying to conceal it.
"Sometimes when I spend time in nature, it makes me feel really happy," Scott finally spoke after a minute of listening to the song of the night creatures.
The little voice agreed, "Me too."
Scott continued, "Nature is…" he searched for the right word, "Dependable, always there, always calm."
The boy nodded and sat up taller, more confident, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Being strong isn't about...being tough all the time." Summers took off his hat and put it on the kid, "Being strong is having courage to be true to yourself."
The kid's eyes lit up proudly as the hat swallowed up his peanut head, "You think so?"
Scott laughed softly, "Yeah, I know so."
Jean could hear a slight murmur of voices while she did a final sweep through of the campfire spot to make sure all the kids were in their tents. She walked over to the edge of the woods, barely being able to make out two figures sitting at the edge of the lake. She who it was by the shape of the hat.
She rested her weight against the skinny trunk of a tree, observing in the dark. She knew he didn't have any experience with kids coming into this summer and it shocked her how well he was adapting. She tried to keep an eye on the new staffers during their first session to help them out if needed. Every time come to check up on him, he was holding his own. He seemed to be a natural and the kids loved him.
She didn't have to listen to know what they were talking about. She'd had her fair share of tough conversations with campers over the years. Coming here was like putting on an empty back pack. You go around taking a stone out of the bags of each kid and put it into your own bag. Until they go back with an empty bag, but yours is overflowing. Carrying their fears and doubts while encouraging their strength and emotions was a tough act, but they did it year after year.
Even from a distance she could sense a gentleness Scott displayed with the boy. She sighed watching the beautiful moment. She twirled a strand of hair mindlessly around her finger.
"A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be out here in the dark," Logan's low voice made her jump.
"Oh my god, you scared me," She clutched her chest and breathed out relief.
Logan stood close to her, she swore she could feel the heat from his presence. His brawn features accentuated by the moonlight. She bit her lower lip anxiously in the dark thinking about his lips on hers last weekend.
She turned her attention back to Scott, keep it together, Jean. Logan followed her eyes, seeing what was capturing her attention.
"What do you think about the new guy, Summers?" Jean asked nonchalantly.
Logan grunted, "What do you think about him?"
Jean swatted at him, "Oh, Logan!" She rolled her eyes ignoring him, "He's good with them, don't you think?"
"Yeah, he does his job. I can't complain." Logan shrugged. "Now let's get it wrapped up tonight."
Jean glanced at the dimly glowing watch on her wrist, "Yeah, it's getting late. Looks like they are finishing up anyways."
They both turned and made their way back to the fire that was now a heap of simmering coals.
Jean rubbed the sides of her arms as the night breeze caressed her skin leaving a trail of goosebumps. Logan caught on and threw his arm around her as they walked up the short path to the tents. She rested her head against the side of his body as they slowed to a stop, needing to head separate ways.
"I can think of some ways to warm you up in my tent if you need," Logan teased. It was dark, but he'd bet her pretty little cheeks were warmed up now.
Jean sucked the air into her lungs and pulled away from him, clearly flustered, "Good night, Logan."
She flashed a cheeky smile at him and headed off to her tent.
Just like that, two weeks ended in a flash. It was bittersweet. The staffers were desperately looking forward to a few days of rest before the next session started, but there was always a heavy pit in their chest as they watched the kids pack up and head out back into the world that had already rejected them. There were always tears from the younger kids as they clutched their counselors tightly saying goodbye. The adults tried to keep their composure and not giving away how much their hearts ached for them.
After the final bus left, Scott retreated to the farmhouse. He immediately went upstairs to claim the shower while it was vacant for once. It was nice to get a moment alone after sharing a community bathroom and showers most of the week. The door protested as he shut and locked it, the warped oak rubbing against the frame.
Scott felt as if he had lived a lifetime in the past two weeks. He cranked the shower lever and stepped into the cool stream. He closed his eyes and a flashflood of emotion came over him. Between the all the endless activities, there were little conversations he had here and there with the boys in his cabin. They looked up to him and confided their fears in him. Their confused little faces shared in private with him how they wanted a family, and at times asking him 'what was wrong with them that no one wanted them'. They were too young to experience so much unfairness in their short existence. The pain was all too familiar. He carried their little worries throughout the week and it all came spilling out once finally alone. His face contorted and without realizing it, he was sobbing uncontrollably. He wept as the chilly water mixed with salty tears and swirled down the drain.
He hadn't cried in years. He was confident of it because he couldn't even remember the last time he had allowed himself to become vulnerable such emotion. It didn't make him feel any better, the pain still lingered, but there was something so freeing about the sentimental release. He gathered himself together and finished up. Besides, he had a long summer ahead of him. He never expected a simple summer job that enticed him with free lodging and meals to end up impacting him so deeply.
"Are we almost there?" Hank whined.
Jean, Jubilee, Marie, Ororo, Hank, and Scott were hiking through the woods together. It was early August and they had one more session of the summer left enjoying their last break. There was an old cabin on the property that Jubilee swore was haunted so they all thought it would be fun to spend one of their free nights in it. They would enjoy some drinks and feeling spooky like kids again.
"It's literally been like fifteen minutes." Ororo rolled her eyes at her ridiculous friend.
Hank shook his head, "I really think this idea sucks. Ghosts are the worst!"
Marie joined in, "Y'all are sumthin' else. Maybe we can get Remy down heuh to voodoo the evil spirits out."
"Oh god, the last thing we need is ghosts and voodoo!" Hank only joined because he didn't want to get stuck helping Logan with some awful chore he'd inevitably assign.
They finally saw a dilapidated a-frame cabin come into view. The windows were cracked and the door was a dark rusted color, clearly weathered and splintered. Who knows how long it had sit unoccupied.
"Yes! This is it!" Jubilee squealed as they walked up to the porch. The door creaked open as she pushed through first. There was a scamper across the lofted area above them. Hank shrieked, suddenly a squirrel dashed out between their legs. They all let out a nervous laugh while venturing further inside.
The cabin wasn't very large, perhaps maybe even cozy back in it's prime. The main floor had a little sitting room, small bathroom, and kitchen against the back wall with a door leading to a deck behind the building, presumably rotted out. There were stairs that led up to a loft on top. They dropped their bags on the ground once inside. It was damp and smelled like wet decaying wood.
"Well if this is really going to happen, I am going to need a drink," Hank rummaged through the beer backpack and lined the cans up on the cracked linoleum countertop.
Scott's eyes wandered around the dismal room. The yellowed wallpaper curled in the corners, but the beams looked surprisingly sturdy. While the others rolled out their sleeping bags, he decided to explore the loft. Carefully started up the stairs, he took cautious steps, avoiding one of the treads that looked ready to collapse. He reached the top and it was a giant open room with the cathedral ceiling pointing up from the a-frame. It had an old wooden chair in the corner but otherwise it was empty. The front of the room had a large sliding door and some windows with a small deck attached from the top. He decided venturing out on the deck wasn't the best idea in case it was rotted out.
Through the hazy panes his eyes were fixated out the window. The cabin was snuggly surrounded by trees, with a small view peeking out of the lake above the tops of them. He could easily see why someone picked this spot when the cabin was being planned in it's infancy.
He heard the stairs groan as someone else came up. He quickly walked over at the top to see the wavy haired red head joining him.
"Careful," he reached out for her hand and helped boost her over the broken step. She grabbed on and made her way to the top.
"Thanks," her voice echoed against the emptiness of the room and tall ceilings. Her eyes landed on the front of the room and they grew in size, "Oh wow, look at this view!"
Scott smiled, crossing his arms and looking out the window where her green orbs were fixed.
"Yeah, I was just thinking the same." The lake was comforting to him. There was a peace about the calm waters that he hadn't experienced in his life until this summer.
"Oh lawd, look at this dump!" Marie lumbered up the stairs. "Can ya believe it?"
Jean leaned against the front wall after turning around to see Marie walk up to them. The tendrils of her camp tossed hair burned as the sunset light danced around her face, making her glow. Somehow her beauty could compete with the already stunning view. She looked so relaxed, confident, and in her element. She looked like she belonged here with this gorgeous view. Scott admired how she didn't go on about the beat up house like the others, but instantly saw the same beauty in this place like he.
"It's not that baaaad," Jean snickered.
"Puhlease, what is this like the size of your pool house?" Hank had overheard them and was joining in now too.
Pool house? Scott couldn't recall if he'd ever even seen one. Maybe in a movie at some point. What was the purpose of having a smaller house in the back yard of a bigger house? Just for a pool? He had caught hints here and there from the comments over the summer that Jean's family was clearly loaded. She never seemed to really play into it though and that old hunker she drove would suggest otherwise.
Jean ignored the audacious comment, "Aren't we supposed to be ghost hunting or something?"
"I already found the ghost of bad taste," Hank tugged on what was left of a ratty curtain dangling from an old rusted rod.
Over the next few hours they had some drinks and swapped eerie stories. Hank sat inside of his sleeping bag, everything zipped but his face. He declared it his 'ghost shield'. Jubilee insisted that they would experience some paranormal occurrences, but their eyes grew heavy with the lack of excitement. Ororo fell asleep first, shortly followed by Marie. Jubilee was persistent and anchored herself to a chair, ready for any haunted action. However, the only think that possessed her was sleep as her lids drooped and she fell asleep sitting up.
Hank refused to leave the safety of his sleeping bag, turning on his flashlight for every little bump or sound, which was usually just the wind blowing. Scott headed up to the loft seeking some more space to spread out, trying to avoid the creakiest part of the stairs. The moonlight played peekaboo on the lake as it glistened on and off between the clouds.
He laid on the bare hardwood floor, folding his arms behind his neck and resting his head. Cobalt eyes watched the cloud silhouettes glow, making mysterious shapes through the cracked window pane. A calmness settled inside of him.
The serene moment was interrupted by the stairs. The sound of someone slowly creeping up. A few seconds later, Jean peered from around the top.
"Hi," she whispered with a little wave.
Scott sat up slightly, resting his elbows against the floor, propping up his weight. "Hi." He whispered back.
"Can I join you?" She had her sleeping bag tucked under her arm as she walked over and rolled it out.
"Yeah, of course." His words were hushed.
"Ugh, Hank kept turning on and off that damn light. I couldn't take it anymore," She grinned and unzipped her bag. She paused, "Uh, where's your sleeping bag?" She just noticed he was laying on the bare ground.
Scott laid back down, "Didn't bring it."
She scrunched her nose up, "Why?" She didn't understand why someone would want to sleep on old hard floors.
"Truthfully, I don't have one." He simply said with his eyes closed. He hated the questions that centered around him.
Jean put her hands on her hips, "You don't have one? Who comes to camp without a sleeping bag?"
He could tell she was in shock and could agree it himself that it sounded absurd, "I'm fine."
Unsettled with his response, she unzipped her bag all the way and spread it out so it was double the width. She kneeled on one side and patted the other.
"Let's share," she grinned, pleased with her solution.
Scott sat up, "Ha, Jean, no it's fine." He was taken back by the kind gesture.
"Oh c'mon, it's not a big deal."
He could tell she wasn't going to take any other answer than yes. He slid over to the side she designated for him. Her sleeping bag was soft, probably a fancy one. He had to admit, it was way more comfortable than the bare pine.
She settled down next to him, about a foot apart, "Isn't that better?" she whispered proudly.
"Yeah, yeah," his voice was playful.
The last time they were this close was the night they stumbled into each other under the deck. Even though it was six weeks ago, it felt like a lifetime. He had grown fond of the camp and their little group of friends. For the first time he felt he belonged somewhere, maybe even a part of something.
Scott listened to Jean's breathing slow into a tranquil rhythm. He dared to look over at her, admiring the long lashes kissing her cheeks. She looked like a porcelain doll against the pale moonlight blanketing her face. Her presence was soothing, a feeling he rarely encountered in others throughout his life.
For once, his mind was soothed enough to relax before sleep. Most nights he laid awake for hours in bed before exhaustion took over and forced him to sleep. He turned his head back to the ceiling, eyelids growing heavy to the lullaby of her breathing.
Hank made sure they were all up early, counting down the minute until they left the dingy cabin. The bags under his eyes suggested he might not have even gone to sleep at all. He went up to wake Scott and Jean in the loft.
"Oh, scandalous!" Hank stomped across the floor making no effort to conceal his presence.
Jean stirred, looking a little dazed, "It's so early."
Scott sat up right away and put on his hat that was on the ground beside him. He slept like a stone even if it was for a handful of hours.
Jean yawned, "Scott forgot his sleeping bag," the yawn intensified as she covered her mouth before she could finish, "So I let him share mine." She fibbed for him to save him the embarrassment of not having one.
"Whatever honey, just get your asses down here so we can leave this creepster place and get some coffee." Hank spun around and hurried down to finish gathering their bags.
"Thanks for that," Scott started rolling up the sleeping bag after Jean got to her feet.
"I can keep secrets too," she winked.
"Sir, you wanted to see me?" Scott stood in the doorway looking into the office.
Charles smiled warmly, "Scott, yes, come in and take a seat," he gestured at the chair across from him.
Scott entered and took the direction. One side of the room lined with windows, the other lined with tall oak bookcases, filled with books of every shape and size.
"You've been enjoying yourself this summer?" Charles asked.
Scott couldn't find the words to express what this experience meant to him, "Yes, very much," was what he managed to come up with.
Charles nodded, "Everyone talks highly of you. You've really thrived here, I can tell too."
He didn't think his performance was mention worthy. He showed up and did his job every day, took care of the kids, and pitched in where he could in between.
"You know, some people aren't as naturally adequate in such an environment. I can you enjoy it." Charles grabbed a packet off the top of a stack of papers, "Tell me, what do you plan to do when the summer is over?"
Scott's heart sank to think that in a few weeks they would all be departing. He tried to put off the thoughts as long as possible, but reality was knocking.
"I'm not sure, sir." He gave an honest reply.
Charles nodded again, "I had a feeling that would be your answer."
Although having spent little time together, Charles had a way of observing and knowing things, kind of like himself. Scott had formed a distant fondness and respect for the old man this summer.
The unspoken truth was hanging in the air between them. Bluntly, Scott had nowhere to go. He grew up an orphan himself, in and out of foster care and various hellish living conditions. When he turned eighteen he was booted out of the system. He welcomed the freedom, but it came with its own set of struggles. He spent the last couple of years finding work here and there, surfing couches and occasionally shelters. Perhaps a big reason why he connected so well with the campers who were facing the same realities as his own youth.
"I have an old friend, Erik, who runs a therapy camp for children with disabilities and gifted learners in Arizona. They have a slightly larger set up than we do here. Traditionally they hire staff with degrees in child development, but I know a qualified candidate when I see one. Some skills you can't learn in books, like compassion. Which I feel is in you."
The chair creaked as Scott perked up in it.
"Now I spoke to Erik and he could use a temporary assistant, someone to help him run the program. His current program assistant is pregnant and anticipating a maternity leave mid fall through the spring. She isn't due until September, but we think it would be a good idea to get some training in while she is still working, she can personally teach you. I told Erik how highly we feel of you here and thought you would be a great fit."
"Sir," Scott could barely believe what he was hearing.
"Now, the pay isn't spectacular. Only about $300 per week, but all your lodging and meals of course would be covered on the property. I think you would be a supreme fit, if you accept," Charles extended the packet he was holding over the desk.
Three hundred dollars a week! Scott had certainly done his fair of miserable jobs for less, he would have welcomed as little as twenty bucks a week at times. He took the packet and looked it over.
'Camp Magneto's Employee Contract' Was he really holding a job offer in his hands?
"I don't know what to say," Scott tried to find his words.
"Well?" Charles stood up and walked around to the side of Scott's seat.
Scott rose up, "Yes, sir, I would be honored. Thank you for this opportunity," he shook the old man's hand firmly.
"That's wonderful," his eyes twinkled, "I just need you to sign the back page and I will get it faxed right over. They will be pleased and honored to have you. I'll arrange the travel plans."
Scott picked up a pen on the desk, he felt the weight of his shoulders lifted as he scratched his name on the paper.
"And Scott, when you are finished there, I would love to have you back again next summer," Charles added as he scooped up the freshly inked papers.
The summer was wrapping up as the last session started, highschoolers. Generally, there were less campers in that age bracket and they were older, needing less supervision. The teens weren't as wild as the younger kids, and the staffers were grateful to not be chasing them around full speed all day. They generally sat around in groups under the trees to seek shade, hanging out between activities.
"Hey, toots!" Hank popped into the camp store. Marie looked up from behind the counter where she was manning the register for the afternoon.
"What's shakin', Sugah?" the brunette was flipping through pages of a magazine that was probably at least a couple years old.
"Just trying to beat the heat," Hank plopped down on an empty mismatched chair. Most of the furnishings were donated or bought from second hand shops.
"You would neva' survive the south," Marie laughed. "Did you heuh Summers is heading south for the winter? Charles got him a job at anotha' camp."
Hank sighed, "Oh god, they are so lucky. He's a dreamboat." He leaned in as if he were about to drop some juicy gossip but didn't bother to lower his voice, "Oh speaking of dreamboat, guess who I caught sleeping with Summers?" Hank wiggled his brows up and down.
Marie set down the magazine, clearly interested, "I'm listenin'"
"Jean!" Hank blurt out unable to contain himself.
Marie's eyes doubled in size and she put her finger up to her lips in a "hush" motion. She lowered her voice, "Logan is in the back, he's fixin' sumthin' up," They stored overflow shirts, mugs, and bug spray in the small back room behind the counter where they sat. A pipe was leaking earlier in the day when Marie noticed water on the floor and reported it.
Hank glanced behind him at the door ajar a few feet away. He knew that Logan and Jean had some weird flirty thing, but never thought anything of it.
"They like…slept togetha'…for real?" Marie's hushed voice finally reacted to Hank's news.
"Ugh, well I guess technically, yes," He matched her whisper with disappointment. "But like, literally, just sleeping. I guess he forgot his sleeping bag up at the cabin and they were just sharing hers."
Marie rolled her eyes and went back to her magazine, "Hank, you ain't right. That's not excitin'. You always goin' 'round making things sound bigga' than they are."
Hank waved her off with his hands, "Oh, whatever."
Logan came through the door behind them, the chunky tool belt clattering at his waist.
"Hey, pumpkin," Hank greeted. Logan didn't answer, deep lines in his brow.
Marie shifted uncomfortably, feeling the tension, "Everything gud, Sugah?"
"Just fine." His serious tone silenced them as the screen door slammed behind him.
The water lapped the side of the boathouse as Scott untangled a box of rods. He was still on his high from his new position he accepted a few days ago. He hadn't been to Arizona and wasn't sure what to expect. He was told the new camp was out in the mountains, which is something that excited him, he'd always wanted to see mountains. On top of that, he would be returning to Camp Xavier next summer. The stability he'd been given for the upcoming year elevated his spirits.
Burly steps creaked on the boards outside and he knew who it was without looking. He tossed the tackles into a pile as he worked through the mess of fishing line.
"I'm just finishing this up," Scott said with his back to the door, hearing Logan enter. Scott assumed he was coming to give him another task for the afternoon. They were winding down the summer and slowly getting organized as they drew closer to an end.
Scott turned around when his comment was met with silence. Logan stood between him and the door, arms crossed and brooding.
What the hell is his deal? Logan looked taut than the usual scowl.
"Stay away from her," Logan growled.
"What?" Scott was puzzled, "Who?"
This sent Logan over the edge and he took a few hard steps at Scott, grabbing the collar of his shirt. His hat flew off from the jerking motion.
"Don't you fucking touch her," Logan's words seethed.
Scott grabbed at Logan's fist clenching his shirt and shoved him off, "Logan, what the fuck!" It was the first time Scott had spoken to anyone at the camp so boldly. He'd had his fair share of sticking up for himself between shit labor jobs but never felt threatened here, until now.
Logan looked like he was ready to put his fist through Scott's face, "I'm only going to tell you once."
Scott stood there breathing heavy, "What are you talking about?" He demanded an answer.
"Jean," Logan breathed her name out like fire, "Are you fucking her?"
Scott's brows shot up, caught off guard. "No!" Was this really what all this was about?
"I overheard you slept with her up at some cabin," his large frame stood like a boulder unmoving.
Scott shook his head, "Absolutely not." He grabbed his hat off the floor and settled it back on top of his head, "I mean, we slept near each other, but not like that." Scott noticed Logan's expression was unchanged. "We were all sleeping in the cabin together," he elaborated, not wanting to find out what Logan's fists felt like.
Scott couldn't believe what was happening. He couldn't risk losing his new job or not being asked back because Logan was on a ridiculous rampage. He'd dealt with guys like this, the types that think they can throw their weight around and intimidate people. Anger tingled inside of him, I don't owe this asshole an explanation.
"What's it to you, anyways?" Scott stood a little taller, "You don't own her, or me." What a creepy bastard. He'd watch him eye her up and down all summer like a piece of meat.
"Charles might like you, but I'm not buying the fucking pretty boy act," Logan's nostril flared.
Is Logan jealous…of me? About Jean? Being favored by Charles? It was difficult for Scott to process.
"Watch yourself," Logan's tone a warning, "This is me asking nicely." Then he stomped off, leaving Scott alone in the small shack.
Scott leaned against the wooden work bench, his heart racing at light speed. He couldn't understand why Logan had taken it upon himself to act as her keeper. Or why it upset him at all? Did Logan and Jean have something deeper he didn't know about?
He shook his head, have her, you piece of shit. He worked hard to gain the little that he did this summer and he wasn't going to have Jean, Logan, or anyone ruin it for him.
She's not worth it.
"Hey! Congrats on the new gig!" Jean was in the farmhouse kitchen munching on an apple when Scott entered through the rickety door.
"Thanks," he barely acknowledged her and walked through to the living room.
Jean frowned and followed him, "I thought you'd be way more excited! I found out through Jubes but I haven't had a spare moment the past couple of days to properly celebrate with you!" She tried to keep her tone lighthearted, but he was unmoved. Her brows quirked, "Hey, what's the matter?"
You, Jean, he wanted to say but stayed silent.
Her eyes softened, "Everything okay, Summers?"
He headed up the stairs ignoring her, but she persisted tagging along.
"Scott?" her voice laced with worry.
He stood in the doorway of the bathroom, "Leave me alone."
She hesitated, her mouth turned downward surprised at his response, "Wh-what?" The words caught in her throat.
"You heard me." He slammed the door in her face, taking a page out of what he assumed would be Logan's book. If she liked assholes, he could be one.
Jean's emerald eyes glistened as they welled with tears. She heard the shower turn on. What the hell? What had she done to evoke such a response from him? She didn't think this side of him existed.
She walked over and sank on her bunk, moisture running down her cheek. She hadn't expected to find such a solid friendship from him this summer, but she did. They all did. Her mind was reeling with anxiety. Was this the true Scott Summers coming out? Now that summer is over, he doesn't give a shit? She couldn't make any tangible conclusions.
A brown package rested on the ground at the foot of her bunk. Earlier in the week she had snuck out to the main office. She borrowed a computer to order a parting gift for Scott. It arrived this morning and she was brimming with excitement to get a moment alone with him. She had to leave early since her fall semester started before camp ended. Her plan was to say her goodbyes tonight and take off early in the morning.
It seemed that Scott had been avoiding her all afternoon, she didn't actually think that he was.
She wiped her cheeks, He's not worth it.
Once in the shower, Scott tried to wash away the painful look in Jean's eyes. He convinced himself to shake it off and return to his duties. The campers were leaving in a couple days and they would all be gone by the end of the week. He had bigger things to concentrate on.
He successfully avoided Jean the rest of the night, which was easy to do since she voluntarily made herself absent around him and avoided eye contact. Logan would be pleased, he thought. He spent the night in the cabin with his campers as usual and focused on spending some more time with them before their departure. They deserved a pleasant week, free from any of his bullshit going on.
The next morning, he decided to skip breakfast and lunch, not wanting to find out what mood Logan was going to be in for the day. Bipolar asshole.
A few of his campers expressed wanting to swim after lunch so he told them he'd meet them down by the beach when they were finished so he could lifeguard the group.
He made his way down to the shore, expecting the kids to arrive any minute. Jubilee was pulling up some kayaks out of the water.
"I'll take that," Scott jogged up and took the kayak from her.
"Thanks, dude," Jubilee caught her breath, "What was in the package?" She perked up curiously.
Scott pulled the last kayak up onto the shore and shook his head, "What?"
Jubilee plopped down into the sand, resting for a moment. "Yeah, the one Jean left for you."
His face gave away his confusion.
"Didn't she tell you when she said goodbye?"
"Goodbye?" Scott looked down at her.
"God, don't you know anything?" Jubilee teased but then her expression turned serious, "Didn't you say goodbye to Jean? She left for New York this morning."
He suddenly felt like a monster. He had no idea she was leaving early. He had a moment of weakness with his outburst at her, but his emotions were running high after his run in with Logan. He probably would have handled himself better if he knew that was going to be their goodbye.
"Oh, right." Scott played along, he didn't want to give away their altercation and Jubilee was gullible enough to believe it. "I haven't been in the house today, I'll check it out later."
He didn't blame Jean for not telling him she was leaving. Deep down he felt disappointment stir inside of him.
"She's so square sometimes. I would be glad to have an excuse to miss my first week of class," the sand sifted through her fingers mindlessly, "Ugh, but sadly my classes start in two weeks and I won't be so lucky."
Scott saw a group of teens coming down the path, "Alright, well I've got to go play lifeguard. Catch ya, later." He straightened his cap and walked over to meet the boys.
Scott held his breath as he walked up the stairs in the farmhouse that evening. The campers were watching a movie in the lodge and he took an opportunity to sneak out. Jubilee mentioned a package waiting for him and he wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe it was a letter bomb after how he acted towards her, he deserved that.
Walking across the room, he saw it. Right on his bunk sat a decent sized box with a postcard on top that read, "SUMMERS" in large letters across left side where the address goes. The right side was full of beautiful loops and twirls, "Into the woods I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul. – Jean"
He flipped the card over and it said "Welcome to Camp Xavier" with a scenic view of the lake in the fall. His lips curled at the corners, that silly girl must have got this from the camp store.
God, I'm suck a jerk.
The package sat on the bed like an elephant in the room. He slid a small utility knife out of his back pocket and it sprang open to cut a slit into the top of the tape. He folded back the box flaps to find a sea of packing peanuts. He buried his hands in and felt a sturdy large object. The Styrofoam spilled out like snow as he lifted the object out.
Oh, Jean! He felt a lump in his throat. A brand-new Patagonia sleeping bag beamed in his hands. The tag had a long list of features and information, it probably cost a ridiculous amount. The amount didn't matter because her gesture was already priceless. It was the first gift he'd ever received from anyone.
He slumped down on the bed feeling elated and miserable all at the same time.