A/N: Well I have had some time to write and I have gotten down a couple chapters written down. I have a new helper on editing as well. I also have had a new inspiration fall into my life so I am super excited to see how you all feel about it, however you won't see it for a few more chapters. Anyways I am just going on and on lol.
Shout outs
mag99 – I wait to see what you have to say after posting a chapter! Come find me on twitter or tumblr.
Nayalove – This is all fluff
M206 – it's coming I promise
RAVEN – Same way as you, and San. I can go on the badest roller coaster but that Ferris wheel takes me out lol
Nobody Special – The future is but only one second from now. Lol Glad you liked it hope you like the rest!
I love you all so much, you give me happy feelings! Shout out to Pepper6, Meech0831 and new inspiration Bellevy_gleek.
Fun Fact This chapter I lived through.
Enjoy….
-Camp Anytown Chapter Thirty Eight -
Senior year, it's crazy to think we are the top dogs at school. We survived almost 4 years and at the end of this year we will be starting our adult lives. I made it so this year is going to be a breeze and I am thankful. With work starting to pick up I don't need any added stress. The first couple weeks have flown by and I am looking forward to all the fun school events this year. Sprit week, Prom, I can't wait for spring break and senior ditch week.
Last week one of the counselors called me in to talk to me about going to this place called Camp Anytown. It's where they take the leaders of the school and shuttle them off into the wilderness and break them down emotionally till there nothing. Then they retrain the way you think of the obvious and help you to make your surroundings a better place for others. I know that doesn't really make a whole lot of sense but I will explain.
So the whole gang got picked to go to this camp Anytown. They took us on a 2 hour bus ride, to the middle of nowhere. Once we got to the 'town' we are going to spend the rest of the week at they made us unpack the entire luggage that was on the bus and place it outside the cafe.
Everyone then gets to eat a snack where we are told what cabin we will be staying at and when our shower times are. None of us in the gang got housed together which I think was the point. It really sucked though because I am so use to sleeping next to Britt I don't think I will be sleeping for the week.
After the meal was done the break down begins. They tell us all to go outside and form a line. Once everyone is outside we form a really long line side by side.
The person directing the lesson begins.
"Take a step forward if you have a book in your house"
Most people took a step forward.
"Take a step forward if you have two parents at home"
Some people stepped forward.
"Take a step backwards if you have ever gone to bed hungry"
Some people took a step backwards.
After the lesson was over there were people all over the board. Some people up in the front with the most privileged lives in the front and the ones with the hardest way behind.
Where we once had started off as equals you could now see the difference in the way we live.
This opened my eyes seeing that the majority of my friends and family were not even equal. Puck was all the way at the 'bad' end to Quinn in the 'good'.
This was just one of the many lessons we will have to go through.
After the lesson was over we were given free time and we all went back to the cabins. Since we left later in the day to head up here after free time was lights out.
Laying in bed trying to fall asleep my mind had thoughts of how even though Britt and I now share a life the simple facts like that her dad isn't here anymore put her further down the line then me. How Puck was all the way at the end of the line, yet his parents make the most money out of all of ours.
In the morning we got to eat breakfast and then there were different groups doing different things. One group went hiking while another did arts and crafts. Some groups got to shower, while another group helped set up for lunch.
Lunch was good and after the gang decided to go out with the group going for a walk.
Tonight there's going to be a night walk for the kids that want to go. I think sky D Quinn Rachel Britt and I are all going to go. They take you out to a spot in the woods and tell scary stories. The last time we did anything like that was when we went to Russian River.
That night after the night walk I met up with sky to talk.
"So what did you want to talk about?"
"I talked to Nancy, about asking Britt to marry me. And I wanted to know what you thought about it"
"On my God sis, really?"
"Yeah well we've been together since we were like 13 it's going to be five years now in a few months. I really think that Britt is the one for me. When I'm with her I feel complete. When she's not around all I want to be is right next to her. She's my soul mate."
"I'm glad that you finally see that, it feels like our always the last one to know when it comes to her. I think that mom and Abuela have a bet going on how long it'll take you to realize this."
"I feel like I've always known with her. I just don't know why it's taken me so long to finally want to do something about it. Maybe it's the facts that were growing up and within the next 12 months to be on our own and I want to make sure that she feels like she's safe and has family."
"Britt knows that we are her family but I'm glad that you're finally going to take a step, I'm proud of you sister"
"Thanks"
"So how do you think I should ask her?"
"I don't know, what kind of statement are you going for?"
"She doesn't need it to be a loud statement. I think she rather it, be sweeter, if anything. I feel like we've been through so much together that just saying 'Britt will you marry me?' would be enough for her. "
"That's true but you want your future wife to have a story when people ask her so how did San ask to marry you"
"Hmmm maybe, if she's lucky"
We both chuckle.
"Like I said I'm proud of you sister"
"Awe, come here"
I pull sky close to me and hug her tightly.
"You're the best sister anyone could ask for"
"You know that's right"
After the chat with my sister, I went back to my cabin and went to bed. I lay in bed thinking of different ways I could ask Britt to marry me. I must've fallen asleep because the next thing I know its morning.
Today before breakfast we were put into a line again. This time we were broken down into race. We were told we were not allowed to associate with the other races. This made me very irritated not only was I stuck with people of the same races as me but I wasn't anywhere near Brittany.
The white people got to go in first. The faucets were labeled black and white.
The bathrooms were labeled black and white.
At first the kids went along with what they were told to do. Not talk to the other races, sit with their kind. The Hispanics had to serve the food, the black people had to clean up the plates, while the white people just got to sit and do nothing.
Finally one of the people who are in the white group got up and took their plate to the kitchen. All it took was one person to start, after that everyone started following suit. I stood up and I went sat down next to Britt. Soon all the groups of friends that started ended back together again.
That's when today's lesson was over.
We're told that we were the fastest group of kids to figure out that all it takes is just one person to stand against what everyone else says. The whole time I was thinking that this is just crazy. I wanted more than anything just to stand up and say we don't live like this anymore. Just that one kid who stood up, man.
This had the kids thinking a lot. How when we go back to school, we could make a change. Try to better the lives of other people not just our own. There are a lot of kids at school who feel left out or like they don't belong. And just by one action you can make their life better.
The rest of the day was free time. Today's lesson was a hard one emotionally for a lot of people.
The gang gathered and kind of reflected on everything that happened in the cafeteria. It motivated us to make a difference.
The rest of the week was filled with lessons like this. They broke us down, they showed us that not one person is better than the other. And that if we work together, we can make a change and make things right for everyone.
The second to last night there I would have to say was the hardest for me. Again we were all there, and this time it was more about the experiences that the people have gone through. Stand up if you never had a gun pointed at you. Stand up if you ever were shot at. Stand up if you ever come home to an empty house. Standup if you ever had a knife pulled on you. Sad thing is a lot of us have had those things happen to them. I think that Puck was standing the whole night.
The last day was a day for all of us just to mingle and take in everything we have learned here. I got T-shirts with the camps name on it and everyone got to sign each other shirts.
The camp made me even more grateful for what I already have. It opened my eyes to the fact that not everybody has such a privileged life as I do. It also showed me that I have a voice and that I can make a change.
We finished up the day grabbed our bags and put them back under the bus and made our trip home.
I'm really grateful for this experience that I got. Not only did I learn a lot but I also got to go through it with the people that are closest to me and my wife.
We came back on a Saturday so our parents were there to meet us when we finally got off the bus. Mom and dad asked how the trip was. But we really didn't have words to describe what we've just been through. We told them we had a good time and that we learned a lot.
When we got home we went straight to bed I was emotionally drained. I was happy to have Britt in the same bed as me I can finally sleep again. Lying in bed before I drifted off I realize what camp Anytown did for me.
It's been a month since we went to camp Anytown and now its turkey time. Abuela is coming up to spend it with us and we are having Britt's family over as well. This is kinda a preview of what the future holidays will be like.
Two months and I turn 18, no longer a baby but still I don't feel like an adult. Maybe that's because inside I will always feel like a kid. That I can be mature and do adult things, I mean without that ability I wouldn't have the job I do, but when at a park the kid in me wants more than anything to just run around and feel free.
Puck is already 18 and he acts a fool. So I guess what it comes down to is age aint nothing but a number in the end.
"Honey dinner is ready"
I hear my mom call for me.
"I'm coming"
I yell back. Everyone is here and I was just trying to figure out a part in one of the tracks I have been working on for a new release. Not only did school start but I have been on tour now for the past 3 months. I am trying to stay a head of the game by staying on making new tracks. Not only does it help me stay ahead but it also helps with the stress strange as that may seem.
I turn off the tables and walk out to the dining room where I am met with the family.
"Hello everyone good to see everyone"
We sit down but before we enjoy the food we each say one thing we are thankful for.
We start off with Nancy.
"I am thankful for my family and friends. I am truly blessed. I've learned that anything could happen and don't take it for granted."
Next is my dad.
"Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, and dreams that turned into reality."
My mom followed.
"As this day ends, I am thankful for all of the things that has happened, good or bad, and for all of the blessings I have received."
Sky said something very her.
"I'm not perfect but I am thankful for who I am."
D was very logical.
"I am thankful for what I have and for what I don't have, well...obviously it's because I don't need."
Britt, cute as ever.
"I am thankful for cats. Life would be so much more depressing without them."
I followed.
"I am thankful for my family, my friends, and my life."
Abuela
"I can't express in words, all of the things I am thankful for. From the breath I breathe to the family and friends in my life, my relationship with Christ and the amazing gifts He has blessed me with for his purposes."
Britt's eldest brother.
"Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for people who are trying to make the world a better place for all of us."
And ending the circle is Britt's other brother.
"Two things I am thankful for: 1: Family and friends. 2: Caller ID, so I can avoid certain family and friends."
After we all had a chance to say what we were thankful for we dig in. The food is amazing and everyone is full by the time we are done eating. We talk about simple things, life, and the future.
It's really nice to be able to have all my family here with me. I am very grateful to have such a supportive family. I don't know where I would be without every single one of these people who are gathered around the table with me.
After an hour or so after we finished eating and our bellies have time to rest we pull out the deserts. There were so many different kinds. There are pies, cookies, and even brownies. We sit around the table for hours talking and we even pulled out the cards.
Britt's older brother schooled us in cards but that's ok. After cards we played Dance central where Britt schooled us. All around tonight I got schooled by a Pierce.
After people started dwindling off to their rooms, my Abuela asked to talk to me for a little.
"Come sit next to me Mija"
I sit down on the couch next to my abuela and she motions for me to scoot closer. I do so.
"What's on your mind Abuela?"
"Well it's been awhile since I have talked to you and I just wanted to catch up with you"
"Ok, what do you wanna know?"
"To start how is school?"
"School is really good. I went to the college campus with Britt and Sky to check it out. We love it and I think Sky might even be going there with us"
"That's great I don't want her far way all alone. How are you and Britt doing? Making me some great grandbabies yet?"
"No great grandbabies yet, but I did ask Nancy for her permission to Marry Britt so we are headed in that direction."
My Abuela pulls me into what feels like a choke hold.
"Oh Mija you have no idea how happy that makes me. So what did Britt say?"
"I haven't asked her yet"
"And, why not?"
"I dunno I just… I guess I want to be out on our own, not living here"
"I can understand that, you guys will need your privacy to make me my great grandbabies"
"That's all you think about, isn't it?"
"No, you know I love Britt and you two together, that is supposed to be Mija."
"I think so to abuela"
"Well I have something for you two for graduation but I am going to give it to you earlier. It's actually for Sky, D, Britt and you. I am paying for you all to go on a cruise during your spring break to Hawaii. I will be there too but I will have my own room. I also talked to Rachel's dads and they are going to pay for her and Quinn to go as well."
"Oh my god, Abuela thank you so much!"
"Well you all work so hard and I am very proud of you so I wanted to give you girls something"
I hug my Abuela tight.
"I'm going to tell Britt if that's ok"
"Of course Mija, I'll see you in the morning"
"Night Abuela and thank you again"
