Chapter 25-Homesickness
The next week back at camp was busy, and as Beca had predicted, left very few moments to be with Chloe. The camp staff were completely involved with the largest number of campers they had the entire summer, and the two-week session seemed to creep along. Chloe was busy with her program duties, and always seemed to have a sick camper she was looking after in the evenings.
She found herself obsessing about the ginger, and the feelings of want, and longing made her feel vulnerable. Beca didn't enjoy needing people. Her parents divorce had left an indelible imprint on her psyche in this way. As she looked out over the lake from her tent, her rumination began. She really hadn't always been so guarded...
Beca Mitchell was a very happy child. Being the only child, she was adept at communicating easily with anyone, despite her age. Both her parents worked, so Beca was shuttled around to different caretakers from birth, she easily shifted from Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, to day-sitters and nanny's. She had no problems with attachment or separation anxiety, and could easily adapt to any situation. Being very mature for her age, and incredibly self-reliant, after a long discussion with her parents, the bright young second grader had convinced her parents that she could manage staying on her own at home after school, with no need for supervision. They lived in a very safe neighborhood, and Beca's school was just a short walk away. So by seven years of age, Beca was a seasoned latch-key kid, who would come home by herself after school, and obediently do her homework until her parents returned from work each day. As she got a little older, her rebellious streak allowed for a more liberal interpretation of that "After School Regime" and she would often have friends over, sometimes multiple friends. Yes, Beca Mitchell, was the most popular kid in school, and her house was the official party spot for everyone in her junior high. She was the president of her student council, a member of the school band and choir, the swim team, golf and tennis team captain. She was a born leader, and took on responsibility easily. However, everything changed the summer of her Freshman year in high-school, as her parents relationship began to fall apart. She instantly became withdrawn, and sullen. She retreated to the safety of her bedroom and her music to escape the new presence of her mother's boyfriend, and the drama of after divorce relationships in her home. The closeness of her extended family shattered before her eyes, and soon any family gathering became excruciating reminders of how her own parents failed, and she was the product of that failure. By high school, she was a completely different person, only Jessie took the time to really understand who she was.
...no needing and relying on anyone was a bad idea. She would not let herself be hurt again. So as the days streamed together, with fewer moments with Chloe, the distance pulled at her more and more. Beca soon began her retreat into herself, always guarded and always ready to lose what she cherished most.
The last concert was just a night away, and everyone was excited to see how the final performance would come together. Aubrey had been exceptionally strict in the final days leading up to the concert.
"We have to get this perfect, no messing around guys." She smacked her hands together..."AGAIN"
"Jesus Bree, back off, we've been at it for 3 hours now." Chloe whispered in her friend's ear with indignation.
She had not been alone with Beca for more than fifteen minutes in the past week. The smaller girl had seemed to distance herself almost overnight. Chloe knew something was wrong, but wasn't sure what had happened to cause the shift.
"Oh right, I'm the bitch now is that it?" Aubrey spat back.
"Aubrey you're too controlling, your ruining this for all of us." Chloe challenged, not willing to take any more abuse. "That's it, I'm calling it, you guys have a good night, we are more than ready"
"I'm outtie, Stacie you up for a drink?" Cynthia asked.
"Hell yes, get me out of here." Stacie responded quickly.
As the rest of the group filed out of the High Studio, Chloe looked up just to catch Beca's eye, but the younger girl had already made her exit.
Chloe turned to run out the door herself, but was caught by the wrath of her most cherished friend.
"Get your head out of your ass Chlo, it's not a hat...we are in no way ready" Aubrey squared off to block her exit.
"Bree, you really need to get out of my way now, I am in no mood for this. I have supported you for years, and you just treat me like shit." The ginger stared her down, her beautiful eyes turning as cold as ice.
Aubrey had never seen her best friend in such a state of rage, she softened her stance, and let Chloe pass without further issue. "We'll talk about this later." she said as she watched the ginger walk out the door.
Chloe caught up with Amy to see if she could take the watch at the infirmary for the night.
"Sorry Ginger, I'm booked tonight, maybe Jessica can help?"
"No, that's ok Amy, I've got it. It's just been a long week, ya know."
"Yep, but we're almost done, just one more night." Amy walked towards the car park, "Your little DJ has really done something amazing here" she smiled at the ginger, who seemed to brighten at the comment. "Have a great night Ginger"
"Night Amy." Chloe smiled as she saw Amy head up the hill towards the men's side of the camp.
Choe pulled out her cell phone and tried to send a text, but knew it likely would not reach her girl, as the reception was horrible in camp, she still wanted to try.
"Babe..if you get this, please come see me, I miss you terribly." As Chloe hit send, the message bounced back with an exclamation point (TEXT UNSENT)
"Damn." Chloe sighed, as she opened the door to her cabin, and a small voice called out to her.
"Miss Ginger...I'm scared."
"What's wrong Zoë?"
"I miss my mommy can we call her?"
"I tell you what Zoë, I know you miss your mommy, and I'm sure she misses you too, but she wants you to have a great time at camp, and she'll be here tomorrow to see you shine in your concert."
"But my tummy hurts" the little girl said as she climbed into the ginger's lap.
"Well, I tell you what. I just so happen to be pretty great at this camp doctory stuff, and I know exactly what's wrong with your tummy." The ginger smiled warmly as she patted the little girl's stomach.
"You do?"
"I do."
"Is it bad?" The big brown eyes met her with anticipation.
"Nope, it's called homesickness, just happens sometimes."
"It feels awful Miss Ginger" the tiny girl said with tears in her eyes.
"I know, it can feel bad, but I have some special medicine here that makes it feel all better." Chloe gently squeezed the small hand in hers.
"Really?"
"I sure do, now you lie down there, and I'll get it fixed up for you."
Chloe walked into her bedroom and pulled out a small tray of homemade Chocolate chip cookies from a refrigerator. She popped them into the toaster oven on her counter, and in just 5 minutes a fresh-baked batch of warm cookies were presented to the little girl.
"Here, your Mom told me you loved these, so we had them made especially for you." Chloe smiled as the small girl's hand reached out to grab one.
"Wow, these are even better than the ones I get at home.."the little girl practically danced in her cot.
"Feeling any better" Chloe reached over to help her wipe the chocolate from her face.
"Yeh, feels all better. Will you walk me to my tent Miss Ginger, I'm ready to see my friends."
"You bet Zoë"
As they walked up the hill together hand in hand, and reached the tent, the little girl pulled on Chloe's arm.
"Miss Ginger?"
"Yeah?"
"You're like the best doctor I've ever had."
Chloe kneeled down to give her a big hug. "You know Zoë, I think your pretty great too, sleep well now, and I'll see you in the morning, ok."
The tiny girl climbed into her cot and laid immediately down. Chloe stopped at the counselor tent and let Jessica know that her charge had returned no worse for wear.
Chloe looked at her watch, it was just 10:00p.m., maybe there was still time...she quickly rounded the path and headed towards Beca's tent. As she reached the platform she called out with excitement. "Beca...baby, are you awake?"
But no answer returned to her, and when Chloe opened the tent flap, flashing her light inside, she expected to see her girlfriend sleeping peacefully in her bed...but her face fell immediately. The tent was empty, and all of Beca's things were gone...
