A Spark Within

ZigZag and I stepped out of the Wreck Room and my skin instantly chilled. Goosebums appeared on my arms and I shivered. Maybe it was more than just the cold that made my bones ache? I peered into the darkness that surrounded the camp. The old wooden buildings made the silent camp even more eerie. I began to untie the arms of my jumpsuit so that I could put it on while I observed my settings. ZigZag stole a peek at me from the corner of his eye. He didn't say anything, just kept walking with his hands in his pockets. His gaze shifted back to the rest of the boys walking in front of us. Only when I began zipping up my jumpsuit did he pipe up.

"It gets cold out here." He said. He walked mechanically, eyes set on the building that was slowly growing larger. I figured it to be the cafeteria. All the boys in the camp must have been piling in. Shadows loomed over the ground where the lights from inside the cabin shone through windows. A figure caught my eye as it walked from the shadows to my right. As he came closer, I could see he was a tired looking kid of Mexican heritage. ZigZag noticed him too. A spark of recognition flicked in his eyes. At least I knew the shadow kid wasn't just some zombie roaming in from the lake. The other boy walked closer and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Not that I sensed anything very dangerous about him, it was just that I didn't know him.

"Hey ZigZag," he said, exhaustion heavy on his voice. ZigZag smiled at him in a way that made me think he had felt the same way before. Bones weary, muscles on fire... "Whose this angel you've got?" He looked me over. If I hadn't been feeling sorry for him at that moment, I probably would have snapped at him. The thing was, I just didn't have the heart to break him down as I looked into his weary eyes.

"Right- Magnet, this is Riley. Riley, this is Magnet." ZigZag introduced us. We had stopped when Magnet approached us. I wondered where he had come from... wandering in the dark and all. I snapped out of my thoughts and gave Magnet a smile and nod of acknowledgement. He smiled at me and took my hand in his. Gently, he patted the back of my hand before dropping it. He slapped ZigZag on the back in that "guy" way.

"Nice to meet you Riley. I'll see you guys around... Zig..." The corners of his mouth twitched as if he wanted to smile but no sign of happiness was to be found. ZigZag cupped him on the back as he walked away.

"I'll see you later Magnet." He watched after him before turning his attention back to the cafeteria. "I'm worried about that boy. It's like he's deteriating right in front of my very eyes." The sincere tone tugged at my heart. I was suddenly very aware at how comfortable I had become around ZigZag. He seemed like a nice enough guy, but maybe that's what the last girl had thought too? All my senses suddenly were pricked on high alert. I didn't want to be around ZigZag... even though I had begun to like him.

"Either you're a real sweet guy or you're a brilliant con artist." I raised an eyebrow at him and stepped into the cafeteria. The scent of food made my stomach gurgle. It didn't smell half bad... I took up a spot in line behind Squid. He glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back awkwardly. ZigZag stood behind me, silent as ever. As we approached the serving area, Squid handed me a tray. "Thanks." My eyes drifted to the giant bubbling pot and my stomach dropped. Squid laughed.

"Yeah... it's pretty much just slop." His lip curled as the stuff was splashed onto his plate. "Just shut your eyes and imagine what you what..." We moved on down the line. I looked down at the pile of green chunks.

"Well, at least now we know what happened to the Jolly Green Giant." I cracked a joke. Squid and I laughed.

"I like you. You have a good sense of humor. You'll need that to survive here." He smiled sincerely. Although I took his words to heart, suspicion was rising in my gut. Both ZigZag and Squid seemed like sweet guys... but could they be trusted? "Come on. You sit with the rest of us D-Tent crew." He led me to a table in the far back where the rest of the boys were sitting. He nodded to Magnet and he slid down making room for the both of us. ZigZag came from behind us and sat across the table from me. X-Ray sat at the head of table in a leader-like fashion.

"Tomorrow's your big day out in the sun. Think you'll survive?" He asked me, picking at the remains of the Jolly Green Giant. I poked at my own sludge with my fork. I raised my eyes, noticing the boys all looking at me; waiting for a reply.

"Yeah. I know I will." I kept a straight face, without blinking. "Afterall... it's just a hole." I returned my attention back to my plate. Maybe they didn't know it, but I could sense the boy's sharing a look. Sure, I had put up a strong front but the truth was, I was pretty damn nervous. All over a damn hole.

Later that night, the boys and I made our way to the D-tent. Some broke off to head to the showers. Knowing the short supply of shower tokens, I figured I'd wait until I got back from digging to take my first shower at the lake. Squid, ZigZag, Twitch and I were left alone on our journey to the tent. As soon as we stepped inside, ZigZag's shirt was up and over his head. My breath caught in my throat. I could get use to this... Squid followed suit. They tossed their shirts on their cots, eyes wandering to me. I shook my head, laughing lightly. My hands were up defensively.

"No, no, no. Don't expect me to be stripping down." I laughed, sitting back on my cot. Squid and ZigZag laughed. Twitch looked as if he had completely missed the joke. "Why aren't you guys in the showers with the other boys?" I leaned back on my elbows. ZigZag came up close to the foot of my cot and leaned over the bar.

"I'm not much into the whole male-on-male contact." He shook his head. I put a foot on either side of the bed and sat up. Although we were close, I still had to look up at him.

"And what about... male on female contact?" I flirted, a small smirk playing on my lips. He smirked back. Over his shoulder, I could see Squid watching, interested. I turned my attention back on to ZigZag. I looked me in the eyes and then suddenly his lips were against mine. His tongue flicked against my lips but he pulled back.

"You tell me." He grinned before backing off. I sat speechless, nibbling gently on my bottom lip. Squid came up behind ZigZag and smacked him on the ass. ZIgZag seemed startled but I found it amusing.

"Don't let him fool you, Doll. He's all into dropping the soap." Squid winked at me as he walked out of the tent. I watched him leave before my gaze fell back on ZigZag. He sat on his cot watching me with a smirk on his lips. Twitch sat with a fat grin plastered on his face.

"Enjoy that Twitch?" I snapped. He snickered.

"Not as much as you did." He accused me. I couldn't protest so my mouth just sort of fell open. I looked from him to ZigZag and blushed. ZigZag was grinning at me, a tinge of red seeping into his cheeks. I glared at them before throwing my covers over me. I slid out of my jumpsuit and threw it to the ground. Twitch and ZigZag watched my pants fall to the ground before sharing a look.

"Don't be getting any ideas." I snuggled into the uncomfortable cot. "Pervs."