Ryan

The first week of camp is always filled with so much new. New camper orientation. There are get to know you games which already feel stale by the second day.

Swims tests are next. Someone peed in the pool. So it was cut short. Multiple someones with how many warm spots there were. It was almost if it was planned so they didn't have to take the test.

So the pool was closed for cleaning.

By the first day most of the kids decided who their best friends were going to be, who their crush was.
I overhear bunk seven discuss who's hotter. I'm first.

Kaitlyn's second, and Dylan is third.

"Why am I third?" He asks me.

I laugh.

Emma's sisters Hannah and Heather hung back by themselves. While Emma greeted each camper with a hug, always bending down to their level.
There were so many games of jacks and mad libs during rest hour. And friendship bracelets.

I ask Dylan if he was going to make one.

"No. What am I twelve? I already have a bracelet."

"That's not what I meant man. " I look at the bracket on his wrist it looks handmade. "What's it say?"

He flips it around. It says Fuck Cancer

Before I can ask him about it, the kids are called for snack time by Abi, Snack time was just called Milk and Cookies on our schedule. Baseball is next.

Then after that is sailing lessons.

==================================
Dylan

I'm glad we're interrupted. I know Ryan wants to ask about the meaning behind my bracelet. I wasn't ready to talk to anyone about it. And I certainly didn't want to talk about it at camp.

Why wear the bracelet then? I get it. Habit I guess.

I don't have much of an appetite so I skip snack time.

Twice a day we get snacks in the mess hall. Which I have to skip anyway.

I really got to talk about to Mr H. As I don't know which cookies have nuts in them, I sneak a few fruit cups from the kitchen to set out for the kids that might have allergies.

"You haven't been the one pilfering from Mr H's stores, have you..." Came Nick's voice, he came out of the freezer. A box was in-between the door.

"What? No. I'm allergic to nuts."

"Just messing with ya, man. I'm sure Mr H won't mind. I'll get on em for that."

"Thanks, man."

"No problem. You're not the only one here that has allergies."

"So you want to be a chef, huh..."

"Ever since I was little. When my grandfather and uncle died, my father inherited the family restaurant but he didn't want to keep it. Didn't think it was 'the American dream' He thinks a career in baseball is. I was pissed when he sold it but what can you do. I hope to get into a good school in New York. I used to watch re-runs of Iron Chef with my mum growing up. Ever heard of Dominique Crenn?"

"No. But I do cook a little. Mostly pasta." It was easier to talk to Nick. With Nick I found myself a little less guarded but still guarded nonetheless.

Man he was so hot but also off limits. Nick was so obviously straight and had a thing for Abi.

It kind of hurt a little but I might have a shot with Ryan.

"I'm more into baking. She's my inspiration. Mostly it's because she's a foreigner like me and had to work hard to get where she is. She was the first woman in the united states to get two Michelin stars. In 2018, Crenn earned her third star. If I become a famous chef someday, I hope to buy it back one day. Or start one on my own."

"Awesome. Speaking of we have baseball next."

"That's my cue, then."

We head over to the baseball field together. It also serves as the soccer field, and flag football field. Izzy sends the ball flying through the camp.
"Hooray! Way to go, slugger." Abi high fives her as she touches home base.

"My dad calls me slugger." My heart feels heavy at the mention of that man or maybe it's the fact she still sees the best in him, through her childhood innocence. Here I thought we could get away from him.

"Can that be my nickname?" She asks Abi. A lot of the kids like her as their favorite counselor already. Most of the younger ones. She was great with them.

"Ok, if that's what you want us to call you."

"Yes, please!"

Not everything about this day sucks.

I get to see Ryan in his bathing suit and his abs are...not terrible to look at.

Emma

The first day had been exhausting. I actually took a nap during rest hour in the counselors room.

During sailing, our kids forgot to put on bathing suits so we had to walk all the way back to the cabins.

After fitting them for life-jackets, we start canoe safety training, which involves what to do when the canoe flips over. This involves getting wet. This leads to a lot of shrieking and giggling eight year olds and counselors. Dylan falls backward over the canoe, flailing around in the water. Ryan retrieves him in the canoe.

Though I'm pretty sure Dylan did it on purpose? Some of the water slashed me when he fell in.

"I didn't want to get this shirt wet." I grumble.

"Too bad, so sad." Heather walks past me on the dock. I stick my tongue out at her.

Usually I can connect with people younger then me and be warm and inviting. Just not to my sisters. A reminder of my father's utter betrayal. Two reminders.

A lot of young people look up to me. But I don't always follow the rules and sometimes act like having fun is more important then doing as I should so… I've been told,

"Em, you're the older one. Act like it. They are going to follow your lead"

I wasn't one for following the rules. Both my parents were often too busy to pay me any attention anyway. Eight years ago they divorced. Dad was cheating on mom and left to be with his mistress. Out of that affair came two results.

Heather and Hannah. He paid more attention to them and mom was too busy paying attention to a bottle.

It was his wise idea to invite them to camp this summer, so I could 'get to know them better'

There goes my fun summer. Well, it wasn't entirely a lost cause. I needed a hook up for my hot girl summer. Just a summer fling, no attachments.
Mom had already signed me up without my knowledge. And to say the least, I was pissed.

It will build character and look good on a scholarship.

When she said Jacob was going to be there, I couldn't stay mad at her. His father got a job at my dad's business firm and Jacob had recently become a member of our country club. I knew everyone there. Everyone. So imagine my surprise when I first saw him. I was like who was this hotty? I had to meet him.

I wasn't looking for anything long term. Relationships never lasted anyway. Look at my parents. I just needed something to take my mind off my fucked up family.

I wasn't going to let those half-siblings ruin my summer, to hell with it. I was going to have fun. And most certainly , I wasn't going to play by the rules here, as long as I didn't get caught.

Jacob and I grabbed extra snacks while I helped him with cookie patrol. It was really just an excuse to make out in the storage shed. Tonight we agreed to meet at the lake after curfew for a midnight swim.

I saw Dylan sitting on the opposite dock. He looked sad. I hated when people where sad. I made it my goal in life that no one deserved to feel worse than me.

I nudge Jacob.

"What?" He looked in the direction where I was looking.

"Maybe I should go talk to him? He looks all sad."

"Just leave him alone, ok? He probably didn't even notice us. If he does who's he gonna tell, he's breaking curfew too. Maybe we can...you know put on a show for him."

"Don't be a dick Jacob."

I could tell Jacob was angry at me but the guy really looked like he could use someone to talk to.

"What are you doing out here all by your lonesome?" I clearly startled him. I feel sort of bad but whatever he was thinking about, well, sometimes you needed a distraction from your thoughts.

Dylan knew he wasn't alone out here. He could hear their voices and laughter drifting across to the dock. They didn't seem to care or notice that he was there. He actually preferred it.

He was startled when she came over to him, and started talking to him. Girls like Emma never paid attention to guys like him. Girls that looked like Emma bullied guys like him. Or maybe it was just small town poplar girls that did that and had nothing better to do. Maybe she actually cared. Maybe she just acted like a snotty bitch when she was venting.

"Oh, uh...I could ask you the same."

"A little midnight swim."

"Doesn't sound like Jacob's too happy."

"He'll get over it. So...spill."

"It's not as thrilling and exciting as your reason for being out here. I ran out of the stuff to help me sleep."

"So, what's your poison?"

"What?"

"Anti-depresents?"

"I..."

"It's ok. I won't tell anyone...Anti-depresents, if you were asking."

"Anti-anxiety,"

"oof, rough. I wouldn't have guessed."

"Really? Didn't you just kinda..."

"So, what's on your mind DJ Dylan? Why do I get a sense that there's something philosophical bouncing around in your head there?"

"Do you ever feel like you're pretending, like you're putting on this show and then it just sort of becomes something people expect of you."

"That's what I do with my videos. For my followers. I want people to be happy. I like making them happy. Sort of like you do with the radio announcements."

"yeah. Sort of. I'm not good with social situations, so I thought telling jokes would help and they started liking that guy more...now, I'm stuck with it."

"I see. And you're worried what people will think if they see the real you, if they'll still like you. More specifically Ryan."
"Ryan? What...what does he have to do with anything?"

"Oh come on. I see the way you look at him."

"That obvious, huh?"

"Almost everyone at camp knows. I saw the hurt puppy dog look you get when he stares at Nick in the pool. "

"That doesn't mean he's into guys. I think you and Kaitlyn are hot."

"Why thank you. I am flattered." She flutters her eyelashes dramatically.

"Girls are icky." He made a mock disgusted face. She nudged him to quit, calling his bluff.

"Ok, I don't limit myself to any specific gender. I just happen to prefer the gender with the same equipment more. You and Kaitlyn are still pretty icky." He nudged her back.

"Oh my God, would you stop?" She laughed. "Life is an imitation of art. Existence is performance. The person you are in the world, you might as well be acting. If anyone wants to become some famous actor, they don't even have to try. They already are."

"Is it even worth it though?" He paused for a second. "Ryan, I mean?"

"I say give it a chance. Or give him some hints, at least."

"Yeah. Okay. I'll try. Probably." Although he was still unsure, and it leaked into his voice, the agreement appeared to be enough for Emma to be satisfied.

"I think I might prefer this Dylan better. If he showed himself more." Really? He wanted to ask her. He would never get a chance to though.

"Ok." She let out a huff as she stood up. "I'd better head off, and make sure no one in my cabin is getting into any late-night trouble. I told Abi to watch them while I was away, but they don't listen to very her much. So I have to go rescue her. Try to get to bed soon, I don't want to deal with more than one sleep deprived asshole in the morning."

Before the campers first bonfire, Mr H went over the same rules he went over with the counselors the first few days of orientation. "Don't forget the woods are off limits. With the exception of supervised activities."

Three of the kids are chartering away.

"Do you know about the woods?"

"What about it? It's off limits."

"Do you know WHY it's off limits?"

"Because of bears?" A kid with short red hair and freckles asks fearfully.

"Because it's haunted. Ryan tells pretty awesome ghost stories. He tells like this very old one, and someone swears each year to have seen her."

"Oh man, I hope it's one of us to see the ghost this year."

"Mr H is shooting the death glare at you guys."

"You really shouldn't say guys. It's not inclusive."

"Whatever, Rowan."

"He's such a wuss."

"They." Rowan corrected.

"Ryan, can you tell us one of your ghost stories?"

"Please, please, please?"

Rowan was one of Dylan's campers. They identified as non-binary. He could tell the kid was uncomfortable. Dylan took Rowan to the side. They hadn't felt comfortable staying in the boys cabin or felt like they belonged in the girls. He told Rowan that they could come to him if they ever had a problem.

"I know what it's like to be different. Like you don't fit in anywhere."

"Because you like boys?" Dylan was taken aback for a moment. "Your sister told me. She doesn't tell anyone else. She doesn't like bullies."
"Yeah. Good for her. It's sort of because of that. The trick is to not let it get to you, then they can't bother you."
When they returned Ryan was finishing his story.

"And every year there after, at least one camper has seen her. The ghost seeking her revenge. So heed the rules and stay away from the woods. For you are not wanted there."

Abigail

After the bonfire, everyone is down by the lake. It's the best view to see the stars. I think Dylan maybe ditched me. I don't really mind.
I enjoy the solitude. Might be the only chance I get this summer.

Dylan laughs and jokes with the others until he comes over. I was starting to think he had better things to do. Like Emma. Hanging all over Jacob. Or wasn't really interested.

"Wow, check out the specs on this thing." Turns out I was wrong. I never had anyone really take a genuine interest to what I was in to. my family thought it was a waste of time.

If I wasn't lost in her head space, I was lost in space. That I should be searching for God, not for something in the stars. What use was a telescope if I couldn't use it to marvel at God's creation. I was pretty sure that's what he would want. That's what I had said to them and that had shut them up.

" I thought we couldn't bring things like this."

"It was my grandfather's. I know Mr H said no personal items from home because he wouldn't be responsible if they got lost or damaged or stolen or whatever. If he found out, he'd probably freak out."

"My lips are sealed." We took turns looking through the telescope. I was amazed at his vast knowledge.

"You really weren't joking when you said you did your science fair project on the constellations. I couldn't even tell you all their names or their meanings behind them. To tell you the truth, I just like to look at them. And mainly because it makes me feel closer to my grandpa. It was more than just a hobby to him." Gosh she never talked this much in her life. The words just easily flowed flawlessly over her tongue.

"To very few people it's just a hobby." He said.

" Do you want to go into astrology or something?"

"Not really. I'm just interested in how things work, mainly how the universe works."

I nod and look at my watch.

"Dang. It's almost curfew. We're going to miss the comet."

"Oh well. Maybe we'll have better luck next time."

"It won't come again till like seven years!" How could he not know that?

"What are you doing in seven years?"

"Hopefully still not counseling kids at a summer camp."

After I fold up my telescope, Dylan and I walk back toward the cabins. It's 9:45. We still have enough time before lights out.

"So he's fucking hot." He gives me a little nudge.

It takes me a moment to figure out who he's talking about. As I stare at Nick, walking ahead of us.

"Nick?"

"Oh uh...I guess." I didn't know what to make of Nick yet, but that accent, I was already in love. But I didn't want to fall hard.
"What about Ryan. He's cute, am I right?"

"He is cute. But he's not my type."

Dylan walks with me to my cabin. While the other counselors go into theirs to settle down for the night, we sit down on the steps.
He digs in his bag and takes out a purple lighter and a rolled joint. He offers it to me. I shake my head. So he shrugs and lights it up for himself.
"You ever wish you could erase certain memories?" He asks. "Like how you can turn off a light switch or fuck, I dunno." He inhales the smoke and holds it for a minute before letting it out.

"What memories would you erase?" I ask him. "If you could?"

"Oh, I don't know. The shitty ones." He takes another long drag. "Actually, the happy ones, maybe. The really good one...those memories hurt the most sometimes."

"I never thought about it like that before. That's pretty deep, man."

"I'm a pretty deep person, man." The contents of the joint was kicking in. His voice is more drawn out.

"I better get to bed." Dylan stretches as he stands.

"Goodnight, Abi See you in the morning."

I loose sight on him in the fog, as he steps off the stairs but I hear the crunch of his feet on the gravel path, heading toward the showers.

And then I'm alone.

But I don't go inside.

I pick up the lighter that must've fallen out of his pocket. I flick it with my thumb and the flame comes to life. I slip it into my own pocket. I hear a noise. It's barley there and at first I think it's Dylan coming back.

I stand up, calling his name into the darkness.

And that's when the whispering starts.