It was an achingly hot summer day. The heat and humidity rose together like a devilish pair, melting anyone and anything outside. Jean was exceptionally grateful to be on lifeguard duty for the day, meaning she could enjoy a refreshing dip from the cool lake waters whenever she needed it. She threw on some athletic shorts over her one-piece swim suit, grabbed her whistle, and headed out to the lodge for breakfast.
It was a few days into the Junior High session and a couple of preteens zoomed past her, late for breakfast, as she walked up to the large wooden cabin style lodge building. She pushed through the door to a room full of a hundred and fifty little bodies jabbering on to one another. Jean wasn't counseling this week but overseeing most of the daily activities. Scott requested to counsel this week in the cabin with his regular junior high boys, so she agreed to keep an eye on everything else. It was a nice little throwback to when she would manage the activities on her own in previous years. Leading this summer with Scott wasn't the nightmare she had initially envisioned. They worked together rather well, like a well lubricated machine. Each one doing their part, never overlapping or causing a jam in the gears.
"Bonjour, mon beau amie!" Remy greeted Jean warmly as he set out a fresh tray of bacon.
Jean gave a little wave while steeping her teabag into the hot water that she had filled her mug with, "Good morning!"
"I t'ink you could fry an egg on da' sidewalk it's so hot," he looked down at Jean in her swimsuit and shorts, "Cherie, make sure you don't over heat today."
Jean sipped on the tea. Whether there were piles of snow outside or the mercury inched up to the hundred-degree mark, she always had at least one cup of tea a day, "Don't you worry, I will make sure to sneak in for an icy pop later," she winked and walked down the rows of tables. The morning was always full of raw energy and exciting anticipation of what the day would bring. The lightly swung her red whistle around her finger as she greeted the kids.
She paused in front of Scott's table, he was sitting on the end while his campers all devoured their meals, "Hey, how's it going?" She patted his back in a friendly manner and rest her hand on his shoulder.
They hadn't seen much of each other the past couple of days with Scott staying in the cabin with his campers. Jean stayed in the farmhouse while she wasn't counseling, and the quiet nights were welcomed after nonstop action in the sun all day.
"Good," Scott put down his half full orange juice glass. His plate was clear but judging by the crumbs, he had his usual boring toast, "Just trying to fill these kids up, they are like bottomless pits."
Jean laughed, "Well they are at that age," She noticed a couple of the boys watching them talk and she turned her attention to them, "Are you guys excited for the camping trip coming up in a few days?"
They all nodded fiercely, jelly and little food bits peppered around their lips.
"Th'cott said he was gonna teach us how to catch a real big fish!"
"Yeah, like big whoppers!" Another boy held his hands up.
Jean wrinkled her face with amusement, "Wow, well that will be interesting. I've never seen Scott catch anything bigger than a minnow!"
"Okay, okay, let's get the story straight. I said I was going to teach you guys how to properly bait a hook in order to catch a decent sized fish," Scott laughed and adjusted his ball cap, "There's a little bit of some imaginations going wild…"
"Alright, well hopefully I will see you all down by the lake later," she smiled to the table and kept on walking. Chatting with the campers always was an unexpected surprise, never knowing what they were going to say. She loved seeing them so animated and loving life. She leaned against the back wall, overlooking the main dining hall while finishing her tea.
She glanced up when she heard the main doors at the front of the room open. The brawny distinguishable frame lumbered through and walked over towards the coffee station. She shot her eyes down to her clipboard, not wanting her pleasant mood this morning spoiled by the feral moody man. She read the same line two or three times on the paper until she realized she wasn't being productive.
It was frustrating. Logan barely acknowledged her existence after their last interaction. She had one run in with him in Charles' office, when she was coming in for something and he was leaving. But he brushed past her like he was walking through her. It was hurtful and confusing. Even more frustrating is that she couldn't read him. Was he annoyed with her? Angry? Perhaps hurt too? She never realized how much she had grown to look forward to seeing him every day until he was gone. Until he made himself distant and unavailable. Was this a game? Did he know what he was doing, or simply was she way too invested before? She closed her eyes, trying to drown out the thoughts. Thinking wasn't solving anything other than making it worse.
She opened her eyes and she swore she caught him glancing at her from across the room, he was chatting with Remy by the door. Her heart fluttered for a moment, maybe he will come around. His dark eyes met with her again, yes, he was looking. And he held their gaze long enough to make sure she was watching as he turned around and headed out the door coldly. The wooden door banging against the frame behind him.
What an ass.
Scott didn't like to play favorites, but if he had to pick one, hands down it was his junior high session. Most of the kids returned from last year and they were wild with excitement to see Scott as their counselor again. They all stayed at the same table for meals, never wanting to miss a moment with their leader who they looked up to. He looked like a mother hen with little chicks pecking and chirping behind him.
During their camping weekend, Scott fulfilled his promise to teach the boys how to properly fish. He started by teaching them how to put the fishing line on their poles and then attaching the hooks. Only a couple of the boys pricked themselves on the sharp hooks, but nothing that sitting on the logs and sucking the tips of their pierced fingers couldn't fix. To his own surprise, a couple of the boys caught some decent sized trout. They insisted on wanting to eat the fish they caught. Scott was hesitant at first but then agreed, what better time to get muddy and fry up a fresh fish than out on the lake?
He dismissed his cabin from dinner with the rest of the group. He grabbed a couple cans of baked beans to cook over the fire, knowing the fish alone wouldn't be enough to fill their bellies. Scott had them gather near their group of tents a little back from the water. He made them collect good sticks and dig a small pit with a shovel. They assembled a ring around the freshly dug up firepit with various stones and large rocks. And together as a team, they were able to concoct a decent fire to sizzle the fish over on a pan they propped up.
He loved watching their faces glow against the fire, their expressions all animated as they chattered, scattered around the flames. They were fully enthralled in the experience and idea that they caught their own fish and were in the process of cooking it over a fire they built. He could hear them retelling the big actions moments of how they caught the fish, and some other boys saying they had some big pulls on their lines too. He could almost physically see the bonds these boys were forming with each other they were so strong, lifelong friendships being formed before his eyes. It brought hope to heart knowing these boys would at least have each other growing up as orphans. He wasn't so lucky.
"Th'cott, do you have kids?" the curly haired boy with a lisp finally spoke above the rest. All twenty eyes peered at him closely, excited for his answer.
"Oh, no!" He shook his head with a grin.
"Then how come you know what to do?" another boy quizzed him. The fish skin popped and sizzled letting off little pockets of steam as it cooked in the night air.
"Um…good question," he shrugged honestly, "I'm not really sure. I guess some things in life just come better than others."
The rowdy faces looked at one another, not really sure what that meant. Scott leaned forward and lowered his voice, "Can I tell you a secret?"
This got their faces to open up and nod in unison, they seemed unable to sit still at the anticipation. Nothing went over well with a group of middle school boys than a good secret.
"I never had any parents either."
It was the first time he'd really told anyone but Charles about his experience. He wasn't found of talking about it, but he felt these boys could find the information of some use. He had a sense they looked up to him for some reason and he respected that responsibility.
"No way!" There was a collective gasp from the little faces.
"Yes way!" He nodded, trying to convince them, "So never let it stop you from doing what you want."
"That is th'o COOL!"
They all erupted with cheers and started drilling him about a million questions, like he held the key to their future. He decided to give them the Disney answers, skipping the street life and hardships, hoping it would be a path they never crossed.
Scott was cleaning up some of the paint supplies by the barn while the kids headed to dinner. His cabin had just finished applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior of the camp store and it was desperately needed. The kids had dinner and a movie in the field scheduled after, not needing him to be with his cabin until bedtime. Bobby helped keep an eye on his kids while he cleaned up from the afternoon's activities.
He was sorting out the paint cans by color when he heard the popping of twigs beneath footsteps walking up. Jean was carrying a paint can up to the barn, "I saw an extra can laying out and I thought I'd try and catch you before you locked up the barn."
Scott was crotched over on his knees and sat back, resting his hands on his thighs, "Thanks, I was just about to put everything in and close up." He stood, dusting his hands off on his khaki shorts. He picked up a few cans and headed into the barn, Jean closely behind him.
"Gosh, I am shocked you even have a spare moment alone. Those boys are attached to your hip!"
"Yeah, they are good kids," He chuckled and stacked the paint cans in their corner of the barn where they belonged.
Jean went out to grab the last can, wrapping her hands around the thick metal cylinder. She carried it over and handed it to him, he grabbed it by the thin handle and put it on top of the rest of them.
The sun feathered through the boards of the barn, creating a soft glow around them with specs of dust cascading around them. The sun caught her hair and set it on fire. The edges of her tousled summer mane glittering madly. Jean caught him looking at her and she brought her hand up to her face instinctively. However, she must have had some paint on her hand from grabbing the can because she left a white smear on her cheek. The corners of his eyes crinkled, unable to hide his goofy grin from underneath the blue ball cap that chestnut tendrils of his hair poked out from underneath.
"I think you've got paint on your hand," He nodded to her palms which she immediately held up and flipped around. And there it was, a white splotch of paint across her index and middle finger. He threw his head back in a hearty laugh, the wholesome sound filling the rafters. A bird flew out, apparently disturbed by their disruption to its peace.
Her brow raised, "You think that's funny?" She walked over to his shaking frame and she brought her hand up to his face.
"Don't you dare, Jean Grey," he clearly couldn't take her serious with the paint on her face, "Or should I call you Jean White?"
Her mouth flew open and she took his playfulness as encouragement, she pressed her fingers against his face despite him trying to dodge her, leaving a fresh inked smudge below his chin. "Now we match!" Her own laughter spilling out of her, looking at her fresh tracks she had placed on his face like a trophy.
He shook his head, "You totally are messing with the wrong person," he grabbed a paintbrush he hadn't washed yet, half dried out but surely had enough paint lingering on it he would be able to get her back. Jean shrieked and couldn't contain her giggles as she realized what he had and started to run. He was quicker than her and blocked her from the doors of the barn. They both breathlessly played a game of cat and mouse. Scott managed to get a small swipe at her arm with the paintbrush, the soft bristles leaving a white streak. She grabbed the end of the paintbrush, the remaining paint squeezing between her fingers. Suddenly, the tables were turned, and she held the power in her paint dripping hand. Scott dropped the brush and started to run for the door, but Jean lunged and jumped on to his back, throwing him off guard. She left a hand smear on his green t-shirt and she clung to him, trying to take him down.
He tried to throw her off without hurting her but they both ultimately ended up tumbling down to the ground, unharmed but breathless and covered in their paint war scars. His hat flew off a few feet away. They laid side by side, their chests heaving, coughing, and laughing as they panted. Jean rolled over on her side, propping her head on her arm, and flashed him a cheeky smile, "Gotcha," she said smugly.
"You've got something on your face," he looked up at her sun kissed freckles peeking out from behind the smudges of white.
She shook her head, her soft red waves flowing with the motion, "You're something else," she grinned and settled back down beside him, clearly neither one of them collectively had enough energy to move for a moment. She let out a small sigh, somehow, he felt her muscles relax beside him despite them laying on the dirt floor.
Small particles settled around them as the small cloud of dust settled back down. He finally propped himself up to a sitting position and she did the same, their legs barely touching.
"How is your knee?" He reached out and ran his thumb over the spot he had bandaged a couple weeks back.
"Better."
They had developed a closeness over the summer. An unspoken feeling that made them both comfortable. Despite her crisscrossed emotions she was trying to work through, she came to realize that Scott was a good steady friend. He was solid, a rock. Maybe he was a better friend than she was at times. Regardless, she was thankful for him and his reliable presence.
His gaze was fixed on her green orbs, she looked away and when she looked back he was still staring, "What?" She laughed anxiously.
Scott swallowed and didn't answer. When she would finally let loose and relax, she was a spark in his life. He felt these candid moments with her were rare, but it was a true glimpse of the soul inside. The Jean who didn't need to plan or know it all, the Jean who could just relax and be herself. She had everything to be successful in life, and she was, but he sensed she didn't know it somehow. Close and meaningful relationships were a newer occurrence in his life, almost unknown a little over a year ago. It felt good to know people, trust them, be comfortable with them.
The sun lit up his features and caught flecks of paint in his hair. She lifted her hand up to run her hand through the side of his hair above his ear, "I got paint in your hair," she giddily bit on her lower lip, "I totally didn't mean to."
"Sure, you didn't," he heaved himself to his feet and extended his hand out, gripping her own slender hand and pulling her up. "Let's get you cleaned up, I'm embarrassed to be seen with you like this," he teased as they walked out of the barn.
She playfully punched his arm in response, "Oh, shut up!"
He dug a key out of his pocket, locked the padlock, then turned back to join her for the walk back to the cabins.
"Having fun?" a burly voice walked out from the side of the barn. Jean jumped like a grasshopper shooting to the moon.
"Oh, just Logan," she clutched her chest, "God, you scared me!" She laughed but his expression was cold.
"The barn isn't really a hookup spot, kids," Logan huffed, and the words stung Jean. Was he suggesting she was sleeping around with Scott, right after their conversation? Did he think she threw herself at all the guys around camp? Her expression soured.
Scott sensed the friction and tried to dismiss it, "Just locking up." He tried to avoid the daggers Logan was shooting him through his rock-hard furrowed brow. Whatever Logan thought they were doing, he was wrong, but he enjoyed the feeling of having the upper hand, knowing he was probably squirming on the inside that a guy like Scott Summers could give Jean a genuinely good time without the need to be a total asshole the whole time.
"C'mon, Jean," He flung his arm around her playfully, attempting to restore her good spirits. She took her worried green orbs off Logan and redirected them at Scott, admiring how he didn't quiver at Logan like most of the other staffers. He held his ground, maybe she should take notes.
Scott refused to look back, hoping Logan was fully enjoying the view of them walking together, hips swaying in unison to a soft murmur of Jean's giggles fading down the path.
It was the last day of the Junior High session and Jean decided to hangout in the camp store. It was common to get some last-minute shoppers, wanting to take back a couple trinkets to show off their adventurous time at camp if their foster parents gave them any spending money. The camp store was an old building that looked like the rest of the cabins. She propped a fan in the window to bring in a cool breeze. She hung out on the stool behind the counter, attempting a crossword from an old newspaper that was laying around. It looked like someone had started it, whoever worked the store last, and she attempted to fill in a couple answers of her own.
The rickety screen door opened and closed as the sound of the tired old rusted metal spring expanding and collapsing filled the room. She could see from behind the curls on the boy and she knew it was one of Scott's campers. He looked up and down by the t-shirts.
"Need help finding anything?" Jean asked, setting down the paper.
"Uh," the boy looked around and then turned to Jean, "Do you have any hat'th?"
"Oh sure, we've got some fun fishing hats," Jean got up and walked around, pulling a beige novelty fishing hat off one of the shelves.
The boy kicked his foot around loosely at his ankles, "Um, not like that...like any ba'theball hat'th?"
Jean put down the hat and put her hands on her hips, "Hm, we did…" her eyes searched an empty shelf, "We might be out."
The boy's shoulders slumped, "Aww, okay."
Jean's heart sunk, hating to see the boy clearly disappointed, "But, I can check in the back area and see if there's anything." She watched his eyes come back to life.
She went into the muggy back room and flipped on the light switch. She rummaged through the last couple of boxes of stock not yet on the shelves for the summer. She felt the stiff rim of a baseball hat brush her fingers and she pulled out a red adult size hat, perhaps a little big for the boy.
"What about this one?" She held it up as she walked back into the front.
"Yeah!" The boy grabbed the hat and placed it on his head, almost swallowing it up, in a few years it might fit, and seemed to make him plenty happy now.
"Do I look like Th'cott?" He looked up at her from underneath the brim and she couldn't recall a time she'd seen a prouder face.
It occurred to her that he was looking for a hat to be like Scott, who was always wearing his old beat up caps. It touched all the spots of her heart, "Yes, you do." She could see that answer made him elated.
She finished ringing him up and the boy opted to skip a bag, wanting to wear his hat right away and the rest of the day. She watched him take off out of the store, running up to another group of boys all with Camp Xavier baseball hats on too. So that's where all the hats went, she grinned and folded her arms across her chest. She watched the group of boys from across the field run up to Scott and the hat party was reunited with their leader.
Jean stirred in her bunk, awoken by a hush of high pitched giggles. She was in the small backroom of the camper cabin where counselors had a bunk to themselves. It was the final week of camp and she was currently counseling a cabin of high school girls. She squinted and tried to get her eyes focused on the dimly glowing alarm clock plugged in on the wooden nightstand next to her bunk.
2:05 AM
Ugh how are these girls still awake?
She didn't want to be the fun police, but she knew they would be exhausted if they didn't get to bed soon.
"Bobby is super cute," she heard the girls whispering from the other room. She was only a few feet away and was always amused at what they thought she couldn't hear. Clearly, they were up late gossiping about the 'cute' boys.
"He's kinda goofy!" Another girl laughed, and they shushed her, apparently afraid to wake Jean. Too late, she thought to herself.
"What about you, Katie?"
"Hank is my favorite and he's so funny," another round of hushed teasing followed. Jean smirked, if only they knew.
"No way, Scott is the cutest," another voice chimed in.
"Scott is a hottie."
"Scottie the hottie!"
This made Jean squeeze her eyes shut, trying not to give an audible laugh. She noticed when they had activities scheduled with Scott the girls took a little more time to get ready. It all made sense now. She remembered being that age and crushing on the boys in their early twenties, thinking they were super cute. But she had to admit, she could see it. He was adorable with his bronzed skin, boyish brown locks that had butterscotch tones from the sun, and million-dollar smile. But that's all these girls knew, the outside shell of him. Deeper down, Jean knew he had a heart of gold and had quickly become one of her best friends. They didn't have to speak a ton, but they understood each other. Just being near one another, there was a silent bond.
"Alright, ladies – bedtime," Jean raised her voice loud enough, so they could hear her. There was a shuffling of feet and bedding, she could tell they were all surprised she was awake and most likely running over back to their own bunks.
The teens enjoyed lounging on the beach, playing football in the water, games of chicken, and rowboat races. All the counselors hung out to play lifeguard and make sure none of the teens got too intimate, with all their hormones raging.
Jean and Scott floated in a row boat at the edge of the swimming area, keeping an eye on a group of teens lounging on fun noodles and teasing each other. It was the perfect day to spend on the water, the sun beat down with a vicious agenda and toasted them all like an oven. Jean always wore a red Baywatch style one piece at camp, she felt it wasn't appropriate to be wearing anything that showed too much skin around the kids and teens. Scott typically wore a t-shirt with his swim trunks but today he couldn't take the heat, he lounged shirtless in the small boat. They took turns alternating jumping off the side into the refreshing water every fifteen minutes to cool off and then climb back in.
"Better be careful," Jean smirked as Scott climbed back into the rowboat, water droplets sliding off his skin and evaporating.
He laughed, "Of what?"
"All the girls have been calling you 'Scottie the Hottie'" She smirked at him while holding the paddles, centering the boat to get a better view of the teens.
Scott's pearly smile was exposed between his bewildered lips that parted into a laugh, "What?"
Jean nodded, "Yup!"
"Good lord," He rolled his eyes, "They can enjoy the show today, it's way too freaking hot to be putting on anymore clothing."
A beachball the teens were batting around flew up into the air and began to descend near the boat. Jean leaned out and gave it a good swat back to the group which cheered her on.
"What's your plan after camp? Arizona again?" Jean relaxed back onto the wooden seat, her eyes hidden behind her shades.
Scott shrugged, his thick hair already beginning to dry out, "Probably not. That was all temporary. I guess I've got to see if Charles has another recommendation or start looking for something."
"You mean you don't know?" She frowned.
He shook his head.
"Come to Seattle!" The thought burst out of her.
Scott's eyes twinkled, "And do what?"
The redhead thought for a moment, "Carry my books." They both laughed.
Jean sat up straighter, trying to be more convincing, "No seriously, come with me."
"Jean, it doesn't work like that," he admired her seriousness and desire to remain close.
"C'mon, why not?"
Scott shrugged, "Well first, it's crazy expensive from what I hear, and I don't have a ton of job skills. And mostly, I'm not even cool enough for Seattle."
"Oh whatever, we could be roommates and you're amazing! Scott, seriously you can do anything. I think you would love it! You're like this rugged outdoorsy guy now anyways, you'll totally fit in."
"How about I come visit?" He tried to find an answer they could settle on. He spent the last year stabilizing his life and creating a small savings, it would ruin everything he worked for if he were to go off and blow on a city that is someone else's dream. He needed to focus on finding work that he was qualified for.
She let out a dramatic sigh, "Fine."
Bobby and Kitty were assigned kitchen duty during the high school session. It would be inappropriate for counselors to be the same age as the campers, so they always made the staffers who were still in school help out in the kitchen and with activities. They didn't mind the change of pace and enjoyed goofing off while helping Remy prep dinners and splashing each other in the sink while washing endless pots and pans.
"Merci, mes amies!" Remy walked over to the corner of the kitchen where Bobby and Kitty were putting away the last of the washed plates from lunch. "Tonight we gon' have dinn'r down at da' fire."
Kitty clapped her hands, "Oh, like a hotdog thing at the beginning of the summer?"
"You mean a weiner roast?" Bobby couldn't help himself.
"Oui." Remy nodded, his long hair hanging out from under his folded bandana on his forehead, "Jus' want'd to let mon friends know dat there won't be much prep toni't, so mebbe you can have more free time dis afternoon. But remember to keep out of da' way of activities."
Kitty nodded, "Remy, can we have some icy pops?"
"Of course, mon amies."
The pair dug through the large freezer to find their favorite summer treats. Typically, Remy would let them sneak a couple here and there, even though they were meant for the campers. They still had two boxes left and one week left of the summer, surely, they wouldn't be missed.
Kitty and Bobby bounced out of the lodge and down the backside of the deck. They became accustomed to hanging out between their assigned duties since they were the two youngest. They sucked on the pops and swatted at mosquitoes just wandering down the trail aimlessly. They came across the maintenance barn and both shared an amused look from their previous adventure.
The barn door was wide open, and they could hear someone tinkering inside. They went in to investigate and found Logan going through some of the wooden drawers that housed various tools and metal bits.
"Hey Log," Kitty's perky voice filled the barn.
Logan raised a brown and quirked his head to the side, "What are you youngins' up to?"
"Just killing some time. We are free for the afternoon but can't hang out near the campers," Bobby propped himself on a rusted metal stool, he dug the toe of his shoe into the dirt floor unconsciously.
"Have you kids been in here at all?" Logan continued to go through the drawers, clearly preoccupied with his task.
Kitty's mouth turned down and she shook her head, looking to Bobby who also shrugged, "No?" She said confused at the question, "I didn't think we were really allowed in here alone…"
"Besides, why would we want to hang out in here?" Bobby gave a sarcastic laugh.
Logan shut the last drawer and put his hands on his hips, eyes surveying the room, "Tools are missing."
"Woah, like someone stole them?" Kitty finished her icy pop with a slurping sound.
Logan took a deep breath, "Yeah, I guess something like that. Know anything about it?"
They shook their heads again.
"Well, what about Scott?" Bobby's tone illuminated like a lightbulb.
"What about Scott?" His stiff words and stone stance made the kids shift uncomfortably.
Bobby dug his shoe deeper into the ground, creating a small pool in the black dust, "Well I dunno, like his project thing in the woods, I saw some tools out there…" his voice trailed off.
"Where?" the burly voice demanded.
Kitty glanced at Bobby nervously, she didn't get the impression that what Scott was doing was a secret or wrong. Last thing she wanted to do was get someone in trouble. Kitty took a few steps towards the door, hoping Bobby would follow.
"Um," Bobby stood up from the stool catching Kitty's cue, "Like down on the other side of the lodge, but way further down…I, forget…we forgot, Kitty I think we forgot to put something away in the kitchen."
The two scurried out like the wicks of a freshly lit firework. Logan wasn't thick enough to see past their jittery lies, but he had all the information he needed.
Things with Logan didn't sit right with Jean. She knew there would be some stinging awkward air between them for the time being, but lately he just seemed to be a downright asshole to her. She couldn't tell if he was purposefully pushing her away, or really stopped caring. She never really minded the flirty demeanor between them, but now that he seemed to be giving her the cold shoulder, she felt weird and unsure of what happened. Flirting with Logan was fun and now that little thrill was clearly over.
Summer was drawing to an end and she wasn't ready to leave on bad terms. She decided to finally make things right and handle the situation like an adult, with her words and not her body. She asked Jubilee if she could keep an eye on her cabin during the nighttime activity for the evening. She lied and said she needed to print off some papers in the office, but instead she found herself on the doorstep of Logan's cabin.
This time she wasn't dressed up or full of ridiculous makeup. She was just Jean. She smoothed her hands down her torso, drying out her palms that were slightly damp from sweat. She stood there for a few seconds, hesitating. She had spent the brisk walk over pep talking herself to be mature and take care of the situation. Her wrist rose to the door and she gave a light knock, finally mustering up her courage.
She could hear a scurrying of footsteps inside, maybe voices muffled behind the door. She couldn't quite tell but there wasn't an answer.
She knocked again, "Logan?" she called into the thick wooden door, "Are you in there?"
Some more muffled noises and finally she heard the metal lock surrender. Logan looked down on Jean through the screen. He looked as if he had just woken up, his hair untidy and he was standing there shirtless.
His nostrils flared, and his words were short, "Jean, what are you doing here?"
Her throat clenched with a hard swallow, "I'm not here for anything but to figure out what is going on between us."
"Nothing. That's what is going on between us." He started to shut the door and she quickly opened the screen, putting her hand up to block the door from closing. This must have surprised him because he stepped back, the door being flung open a little further from her forceful push.
"Step being such an asshole! I thought we were friends!" She narrowed her dark swirling eyes at him, mouth firmly pressed together.
Logan's expression remained unchanged, a powerful force but she was determined to not step down this time. They locked eyes and the heat radiated between them.
Finally, his eyes relaxed and he gave a sigh, "We are friends," he dug his hands into the pocket of his sweatpants, possibly the same ones she'd felt him pressing against her a few weeks ago, "I just can't have you showing up unannounced all the time. I've got my own shit I am trying to figure out with all this."
She eased up and looked down, "That's fair," she admitted. Her eyes caught part of a red set of high heels that were laying on the floor partially out of view next to the door. It was the same spot she kicked her shoes off when she was last over.
"We are going to be fine. Let's just give it some time, okay?" His words were softer but she could barely hear them.
She looked up at his face and could make out a hint of red on the corner of his mouth. Is there a woman in there?
It all made sense, the hushed delayed answering of the door and the half-dressed frayed man in front of her. Holy shit. That was her just a few weeks ago on the other side, there was probably a woman stuffed up in his room like she was. Her breath became short and she started backing away slowly. Was she just another one of Logan's toys? How often did he do this? Was she an idiot to think he would really want a girl like her all along when he has some red lipstick, high heeled goddess in his bedroom at his disposal? And she thought her sneakers and Chapstick would get him going.
Logan was saying something, but she really couldn't make out the words in her head, the wires in her brain all misaligned.
"It's all good," she forced out a reply as she reached the edge of the deck, "I got to get back to my cabin…" she turned and practically stumbled down the steps. She heard the large door close behind her and he may or may not have said goodnight, but she couldn't grasp the reality around her.
As soon as she reached the trail she walked like a zombie through the trees, the sun tucked in for the night and the sliver of a moon provided little light, but she was thankful to be hidden in the depths of the darkness. Her body was numb, and she mindlessly walked the trail until she hit the beach She kept walking until the small ripples of the edge of the lake licked her shoes. She kicked off her sneakers and let her body slump down into sand. The water lapped around her shins. Her eyes welled up and a tear rolled down the slope of her cheek.
She was done being used. She was done trying to prove herself. She had solid friendships, she had smarts, and she was brave. It was decided that she would try and use this as a lesson and put the whole virgin thing on ice, nothing good was coming of forcing her sexuality and it only created tension in her relationships. Her sex drive and partners didn't define who she was and shouldn't disrupt her self-esteem. Perhaps everyone was treating her like a child because she kept acting like one. She played the role of having her shit together, but really, she didn't and she was too stubborn until this moment to admit it to herself, even though deep down she knew it everyday.
She decided she was done being the victim and wiped the from her cheek. Everything will be okay. I will be okay.
"Scott, I'd like to ask you something," Charles was standing in front of one of the windows in his office, gazing out at the campers who wandered the grounds.
Scott found himself again at the end of summer in the chair across from Charles' desk. He wasn't sure if there would be another opportunity for him this upcoming year but would find out soon enough. Their last meeting a year ago led to his whole life changing for the better.
"Have you been taking tools from the barn?" Charles turned to look down the nose at Scott, the tone of the older man was solemn.
Scott's blue eyes grew in size, surprised by the conversation, "No."
The bald man nodded, and the worn leather seat rumpled under his weight as he took a seat, "There's been a report that there are items missing."
"Sir, I would never steal anything." He understood that he looked like the most likely suspect, a homeless guy hanging around all summer, but he wasn't like that and he was hopefully never having to worry about being homeless again. He decided he would try and find some decent work being able to afford a small rental with his savings. A permanent address opened up a whole new world of opportunity for a person in society.
Scott searched his brain for what he could be talking about and it struck him like lightening, the cabin.
"Actually, I can explain…" Scott cleared his throat and continued, "I promise, I haven't taken anything. Just borrowed some things."
Charles shifted in his seat, clearly wanting to listen to the whole story.
"There's an old a-frame cabin out on the edge of the property."
"Yes, there is. It was the first building on the property," Charles elaborated on the structure, "It was originally a vacation cottage not included with the farm, but the original family bought it as an addition to their land but never did anything with it. I'm sure they had plans of some sort but they ended up going bankrupt and that's when the land for the camp was decided."
Scott mulled over the information. He'd spent countless hours sweating in the old muggy cabin and occasionally wondered how it came to be.
"But Scott, what does this have to do with the missing tools?"
"When I was in Arizona, I learned how to do some handy work, like repair and remodel stuff for the cabins and buildings at Camp Magneto," Scott looked down at his hands, realizing he had let his small project go on too long without approval. This could be the end of the road for him.
"I really enjoyed it and when I saw the cabin this year, I thought it would be something useful to do. I've been clearing it out and trying to get it in decent shape again." Scott swallowed, "I've been taking some tools out to the cabin and sometimes forget to bring them back right away. I know I should have asked if it was okay first, but I swear I am not stealing anything. None of the tools have left the property and I planned on returning them all by the end of the summer."
A group of chattering teens walking by one of the windows filled the silence.
"I see," The professor didn't sound mad, but it didn't ease the knots that were forming in the pit of Scott's stomach, "And do you think it's possible to fix the place up?"
The young man's face looked up, surprised by the question, "I do," he answered honestly. "I think it's got a really good frame and solid structure. There's definitely some more work to be done, but it's not impossible."
"Do you like the cabin?"
Scott nodded, "Yes."
Charles leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his muddied eyes, "Why, if I may ask?"
Scott glanced out the window, feeling lost in his gaze. He'd never really articulated why he felt so connected to the little plot out in the woods, "It's quiet…peaceful. I can't really say, honestly."
"Well this conversation really puts my heart at ease, son." The endearing term brought Scott's eyes back to the old man's, "I didn't think you'd truly be responsible for the disappearance of these items, but I believe your intentions."
Relief washed over him.
"Truthfully, I've been trying to work out a way to get another full-time staff member for the camp. The finances were manageable, but the living situation wasn't ideal. We need another staff cabin but couldn't find the funds to invest into a whole new one. This project of yours might actually be of use to the camp and solve this conundrum."
"Sir, I could finish fixing it up for you. I could get it in working order within a month or so. You could hire someone and have then in it by early fall possibly," Scott perked up to the idea of turning this into a positive and helping out the camp.
Charles chuckled, "Well, there's an idea. But Scott, I want to extend the offer to you."
Scott became stiff in his seat, "Me?"
"Yes, you've been nothing but dedicated for the better of this camp and this year has been our best one yet with your input. The grounds are looking magnificent and I know your heart is here. I'd like to offer you a full-time staff position and if you fix up the cabin, it will be yours."
His heart shot to the moon.
"Now, I said we didn't have money to invest in building a full cabin, but I can work out some finances to set aside a small budget to help you finish up and get it at least furnished. For your position, I'd like to have you as the Program Manager, a new role I'd like to create."
Scott nodded, and he couldn't conceal his smile, "Absolutely, Sir, I would be honored."
"We can go over the details later, but I can offer you a modest salary, you won't be getting rich by any means," he chuckled, "But your housing expenses and meals would continue to be provided like they are during the summer."
His head was spinning with excitement. He hoped to God he wasn't dreaming and about to wake up in some alley. This whole place felt like a dream and he didn't know what he had done to deserve it all.
Scott sprang out of the office feeling like he had grown wings and circled the sun. His blue eyes darted across the camp soaking up the hearty lodge, the volleyball sand court, the freshly painted signs, and the quaint cabins peppered into the trees. The brisk breeze off the lake swept through the trees and went through him like water, bringing heavenly scents of the minerals and seaweed. He couldn't believe this place he had grown to love was now his home. He didn't have to worry about leaving, this feeling surpassed any he had felt at the end of last summer, and he was ecstatic then.
He walked back to the farmhouse, trying to keep his heart from exploding out of his chest. He assumed he would probably stay in the big empty farmhouse when the others left until his renovations were complete, but he didn't mind. He was happy to have a bunk, let alone a whole house to himself.
The stairs announced his arrival as he made his way up to the top of the guys room. He could hear the radio on in the girls' room. The last session of camp ended yesterday, and a few people already had to take off right away, going back to prepare returning to school and their lives.
"Jean!" he caught the redhead at the top of the stairs, she had just come out of the bathroom.
"Scott!" She laughed and mimicked his overly enthusiastic greeting to her, "What's got you in such a good mood?"
"I'm staying!"
Her mouth parted, "What? Here?"
"God, I can't even tell you what just happened. But I just got hired full-time and I am staying at the camp. Like living here, at the camp!"
"Oh my God! That's crazy amazing!" She jumped up and down barefoot, unable to contain her own excitement, "I can't think of anyone better."
Out of a burst of exaltation he lifted her up and spun her around in the tiny hall, the sun from the bathroom shining through and catching her hair like fire. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a squeeze that deflated his lungs. His own arms wrapped around her quaint torso and they embraced for a moment before he set her down lightly, both of them coming back down to earth.
"Ready for some more good things to come your way?" Jean beamed like a child, brimming with excitement.
"I don't think I can handle anything else." Scott laughed, catching his breath.
"You'll survive," she winked and took his hand, leading him into the girls bunk room which was empty other than Oasis singing Wonderwall through the radio speakers in the background.
"Sit, sit" she motioned to her bunk and he followed her orders. "Close your eyes!"
He listened and sat there shaking his head, "This isn't another gift is it?" He joked.
He felt a smooth flat metal object of decent weight press against his lap and his eyes shot open. He looked down at an Apple laptop sitting on top of his thighs.
"Okay so, I want you to have this, and before you can say no, I won't let you," She grinned.
He looked up at her with an open mouth, "Jean, I can't just accept a computer. You're outrageous!"
"No, no. Listen, I need a new one for school anyways. This is my old one, so it's not like I ran out and bought a new one or anything. I don't need two laptops. I figured you could use it for whatever," She bit at her lower lip, still grinning, "Especially knowing now you're staying at camp, there's practically no service here…so we can email."
He couldn't believe this silly woman was showering him with more gifts. At least this time he could properly thank her in person and the summer will end as it should of last year.
"I don't have anything for you," he sheepishly looked down.
"Are you kidding me?" She sat down next to him, "I had so much fun this summer. I can't tell you the last time I just felt so wholesome, and I have you to thank for that."
"Admit it, I'm a totally awesome co-leader," he teased.
"How about I admit you're a totally awesome friend."
Stubborn woman.