Chapter Twelve
Summary: The First Counselor Night Off and CIT Run Event!
Evie's Notes: Happy Monday! I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your week ! As always, thank you so much your support of this story, it really and truly means the world to me 💜! I hope that you all enjoy the this new update 🌺.
"Smashing things is so much fun!" cheered Jorge as he mushed a bowl full of blueberries with a wooden spoon.
"You bet bro" agreed Griff, as he cut up one of the baskets of lemons the group had brought back from their outing.
"I'm just excited to finally have something good to eat" muttered Joy as he rolled out the pie dough.
"Yeah, this strawberry pie and blueberry lemonade will be a nice change from Murphy's normal offerings" laughed Ravi. The young man was in charge of mixing up the pie filling. "How's that crust coming Joey?"
"Almost ready boss"
"We found the perfect pitcher for the lemonade!" celebrated Xander, as he and Mick joined the rest of his cabin in the mess hall kitchen. "Had to dig through a bunch of stuff in Gladys' office storage but this container should be big enough".
Ravi gestured to an open space on the counter, "You can put it down there. The boys are almost ready to mix it all up".
"Great teamwork Grizzlys. I'm going to grab the ice and sugar then we can get to mixing".
With his fruit mixture finished, Ravi shifted gears to help Joey finish the pie crust. Joey proudly poured the pie filling into the dish and laid the top crust firmly in place.
"Do you want to cut a design into it?" offered Ravi
"Huh?"
"I've seen all the cool drawings you've done in arts and crafts and your notebook. Why don't you give it a shot!" encouraged the counselor.
"Ok…" agreed Joey with a small grin. He took the offered pairing knife and carefully carved a lightning bolt into the center of the pie.
"That looks awesome mate" commented Mick as he and Griff juiced the remaining lemons. "Why'd you pick a lightning bolt?"
"It's the symbol of my favorite comic book and show, Voltage," shared the boy.
"Isn't that the one your sister stars in?" asked Jorge.
"Yeah, Liv plays SkyVolt, a teenage girl with lightning powers. She was so happy they were on a break from filming for the summer so that she could come to camp with me and my siblings".
"Well our pie is going to be electric," joked Ravi.
The gathered boys all groaned at his bad pun.
"Oven is preheated so let's pop this sucker in there and get it cooking" grinned Xander.
"Lemons are ready to go chief" grinned Griff, saluting Xander.
"Perfect. Jorge, fill up three of those measuring cups with water please. Griff put the lemons on top of the ice cubes"
The boys followed directions, quickly following their counselor's directions. Mick measured out the cups of sugar that they needed to sweeten their lemonade. Xander strained the blueberries that Jorge had mashed and added the homemade compote to the container. The final step was to add the water and lemon juice and give it a good stir.
"Yoo! This looks so good!" cheered Griff as Ravi poured glasses of fresh lemonade for each of the boys.
"Drink up lads. Here's to a super sweet summer" cheered Ravi as he raised his glass.
The boys all groaned good naturedly, but bumped their glasses before heading out on the great lawn to enjoy their drink while they waited for their pie to finish baking.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Francesca was in the infirmary treating Krystal from Weasel Cabin. The girl had cut her arm badly while playing in the woods during free hour, luckily her cabin mates had quickly brought the girl in for medical treatment. The cut wasn't deep enough that it needed stitches, so Fran cleaned it up and wrapped it tightly, instructing the girl to take it easy. Knowing that the fierce girl was likely to ignore her warnings, Francesca decided it was best to stress the importance of Krystal not overexerting herself to the other Weasels. Lydia, the group's unofficial leader, nodded seriously before leading the Weasels out of the infirmary.
Cleaning up her work station, Fran was surprised when the door to the infirmary opened to reveal Lou.
"Hey LouLou. What's up?" asked Fran, putting away the last of her medical supplies.
"Francesca! I need your advice" said the girl frantically.
"Sure, how can I help?" agreed the brunette readily.
"I don't know which to wear to the spot tonight" worried the Woodchuck, holding up two outfits; one a jean dress, and the other a cute short sleeve plaid dress.
"Why do you care?" asked Fran. She planned to just wear the same sun dress she had been wearing all day.
The young woman blushed and mumbled something incomprehensible.
"What was that?"
"Nothing… this is stupid, just forget it"
"Uh huh. Tell me what's going on Lou Ella Hockhauser!" demanded Francesca, placing a hand on her hip. "Seriously LouLou what's up?"
"I just want to look my best for tonight's party at the spot" said Lou, looking anywhere but at her friend.
"Right… and is there a certain someone in particular who you want to impress?" asked Fran slyly, guessing the answer would be Ravi.
"Maybe" admitted Lou
"And would this hypothetical person's name happen to rhyme with Lavi Loss?" teased Francesca, playfully elbowing her friend.
"Shut up!" gasped Lou, hiding her head in her hands.
"I'm totally right" squealed Fran
"Fine! Yes, I suppose I might be wanting to dress up to impress Ravi"
"This is so exciting! You two are going to be SUCH a cute couple"
"As if he would ever look at me that way. Trust me Frannie, I have long made my peace with the fact that Ravi only sees me as his older sister's friend. Though I can't keep myself from hoping that one day he'd wake up and see me as the pretty girl I am, rather than just some silly country gal".
"Oh Lou!" sighed Fran sadly, she pulled the young woman into a hug. "You are so much more than just some country gal. You are a brilliant, gorgeous, caring, fabulous, strong, young woman. Someone who I am so proud to call my friend"
"Thanks Frannie, you're the best friend a gal could ask for!" grinned the girl tearilly, hugging Francesca back tightly.
"And as your friend. I say that Ravi would be insanely lucky to have you as his girlfriend. You two would be perfect for each other"
"You're the best Frannie"
"As for your outfit tonight I vote for the plaid dress. It's supes cute and will look great with your hair!"
"Plaid dress it is" grinned Lou.
"Not to be rude, but why did you come ask me about clothes? I'm thrilled you did… but I'm just confused as to why you didn't ask Emma. I mean she does have her own fashion line afterall".
"I love Emma. We just have very different tastes… she just doesn't really get my fashion sense. Plus there's the fact I'm crushing on her brother… it's not really something I can talk to her about".
"Well I am always here to talk when you want. I'm so happy we've become friends this summer"
"Me too!" grinned Lou. "Now that you're done taking care of Krystal, do you want to hang out down at the lake with me and Emma?"
"Would Emma be cool with that? I've kinda been picking up on a vibe that she doesn't really like me" asked Fran.
"Nonsense! Em's just going through some stuff this summer. It's not really my place to say, but I just know she will adore you as much as I do once she really gets to know you" promised Lou.
"Well I can't argue with that," shrugged the Fox Cabin Counselor. "Let me just stop by my cabin to change into my suit and I'll meet you down there".
"Perfect! See you soon Frannie!" grinned the girl, racing back to Woodchuck Cabin to return her clothes and change into her swimsuit.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Tuesday nights were official nights off for all counselors, meaning that the CIT's were in charge of planning the evening's event and enforcing bedtime. This was part of Gladys' new rules, the CITs had met up and decided that for their first event night they would host a tie-dye party.
While Emma was bummed that she couldn't hang out with the other people her age, she was excited for tie-dying. Also she wasn't totally without friends. Emma had found herself becoming fast friends with the CITs of Bunny and Fox Cabin over the last two weeks. Avery Jennings loved fashion and designed clothing like Emma, while Liv Rooney was a talented movie star and singer.
Entering the mess hall with the Woodchucks and Bunnies, Emma spotted Liv setting out the various bottles of dyes on the tables for the campers to use.
"Hey Liv, set up go ok?"
"Yeah, Maddie, Holden and I have most of the stuff set up. Thanks for watching my campers for me".
"No problem. Your girls were great".
The blondes sat on the stage as they watched the rest of the campers filter in. It was finally showtime!
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Farkle pulled on his hoodie and checked his hair in the mirror, luckily his hair gel had held it in place.
"Are you ready to go buddy?" asked Zay, as he exited the cabin bathroom.
"I think so, sweatshirt, bug spray, flashlight, walkie talkie, treats for the party" counted off the young man checking his backpack.
"Great! I talked to Jackson before he left so hopefully everything should go smoothly while we're gone tonight".
"Did you double check that he had Toby's inhaler and Auggie's epi pen?" checked Farkle.
"Yep. Now let's go get our party on!" grinned Zay.
The pair exited the cabin to see Maya and Lucas heading across the great lawn.
"Wait up you two!" yelled Farkle, jogging over to join them.
"Hey Farkle, Hey Zay" greeted Maya.
"Hey little lady. How are the bunnies treating you?"
"They're running me ragged," admitted Maya. "I love my girls, but I am definitely looking forward to relaxing with you all tonight".
"Same" agreed Lucas. "The wolves can be a lot, but we have a good time together. I'm happy to be leaving them in Luke's capable hands while we party".
"Jackson seemed excited about being in charge tonight" commented Zay as the group entered the woods and followed the path to The Spot.
"Liv was over the moon about tonight's event. She was so excited for the tie-dying activity they planned"
"Well I am sure the kids will have fun" grinned Lucas, wrapping his arm around Maya's shoulders.
Zay and Farkle shot each other knowing looks. It was long past time that Lucas and Maya woke up and realized how perfect they were for each other. The boys hoped that a summer free of Riley would lead to the pair finally figuring themselves out.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Frannie had stopped by Woodchuck cabin to pick up Lou before heading to the Spot for the counselor party. Knocking on the door, Francesca waited for Lou to step outside.
"Who's ready to Par-ar-ar-ty!" cheered Lou, stepping out onto her porch dressed in the plaid dress from earlier and a pair of white cowboy boots, her long brown hair flowing free down her back with two little braids.
"Meee!" sang Frannie. "I gave out all the nighttime medications to the campers who need it so we are free to go!"
"Well then, let's hit the trail"
The young women made their way over to The Spot chattering excitedly. They were soon joined by PJ and Hazel who joined in their conversation about all of the latest camp gossip.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
"I know that Xander is planning on singing tonight, hopefully we can get Maya to sing too" said Francesca, helping herself to a bottle of hard lemonade from the back of the truck bed. Half of the truck bed had been filled with ice and drinks, the other half was full of snacks. One of the perks of having counselors all above twenty one, meant that they could legally have alcohol at their parties.
"You looking forward to his performance?" asked Ravi slyly, taking a can of beer from the truck bed.
"I mean yeah, I always do," shrugged Francesca.
"Oh really" smirked the man.
Fran's eyes widened as she realized he was referring to her crush on the handsome law student. "Shut up" she snapped.
"Nah, teasing you is far more fun," laughed her best friend. Why did she like him again?
"What's going on over here?" asked a familiar voice.
"Just pointing out how much fun it is to tease Frannie".
"Oh? Well I have to agree with that" smirked the newly arrived Xander. "It's fun to see how red I can make her"
"Xander!" whined Fran, her cheeks getting warm.
"See just like that" laughed Xander, placing a hand on her cheek. Francesca thought she was going to self-combust.
Lou, having seen Fran's "save me" eyes from across the clearing, made her way over to the trio.
"Ravi! Come dance with me" demanded Lou, taking the boy's hand and leading him over to the makeshift dance floor. Fran glared after her, that was not what she had meant!
"Just you and me, beautiful" hummed Xander, shifting his hand so he was now holding Francesca's hand.
What was going on here? She had to be reading the situation wrong… but was Xander hitting on her?
"Yup, just us" replied Frannie, her voice coming out way too breathy for her liking.
The young man grinned down at her, "Come dance with me"
Looking into Xanders blue eyes, darker than normal, Fran swore it would be impossible for anyone to say no.
"Alright" agreed Fran, putting down her drink and allowing the boy to pull her onto the dancefloor. The pair soon found themselves lost in the music and each other's arms.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
Later on in the night Francesca and the others were able to successfully convince Maya to sing for them. Xander and Maya played a couple songs each, entertaining the group. Xander had brought his guitar Gabby and decided to sing his latest song for everyone.
"When the stars are dancing in the sky, I start thinking 'bout a place I know. Where young dreamers hope to meet their match, and then a feeling begins to grow. Ooh Ooh this is the night. Think of the girl you're dreamin of underneath the moonlight" sang Xander looking right at Frannie. "Ooh Ooh this is the night. Ooooooh this is the night".
"I think it's time for the traditional Counselor Night Off toast" called Hazel, passing out drinks to those who didn't have one.
"We love our jobs, we have a blast… but sometimes those kids are a pain in the ass" called the gathered adults, raising their drinks.
Taking a seat next to Xander by the fire, Frannie chatted happily with Maya. She was so engrossed in her conversation with the New York artist she missed when Xander put his arm around her shoulders. Somehow she now found herself leaning against the man's chest enjoying her drink as Maya told them all about living in New York.
"You guys will have to come visit once the summer is over" invited Maya.
"That would be great!" grinned Francesca, happy that the girl she had grown so close with the last few weeks wanted to keep in touch once camp was over.
"We will organize some camp reunions over the school year," said Xander. "I can't believe that this is my last summer at Kikiwaka ever".
"Why is that?" asked Maya
"I'm going into my final year of Law School. So next summer I'll be working a boring adult job" explained the man.
"Yeesh, I definitely don't envy you" said the girl. "Topanga, my best friend's mom is a lawyer. She seems to really enjoy it though".
Francesca's heart fell a little knowing that if she came back next summer it wouldn't be with Xander. Pushing that silly thought to the side she did her best to not let it affect her. It's not like they were anything other than really good friends after all.
"That's cool. I'm attending law school in Tennessee but am planning on moving back here to Maine when I graduate. I've missed living here ever since my family moved to California" shared the man.
"Maine is beautiful, I can see why you miss it," said Fran.
"On one of our full days off you'll have to let me take you out" grinned Xander. "I'd love to show you around my favorite place".
"It's a date" replied Fran, only to freeze and blush. "I mean in a manner of speaking".
"Hah, yeah. It's a date".
Looking for an escape after putting her foot in her mouth Fran said, "I'm going to go check on Hazel, catch up with you two later". Shrugging Xander's arm off her shoulder, Francesca made a beeline for the Weasel Counselor.
*Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness - Journey to Happiness*
The group finally decided to call it quits a little after eleven. Packing everything up the counselors made their way back out of the woods. The group was more than a little buzzed from their drinks, but they had all had a lot of fun. Pausing by the door to her cabin, Frannie waved goodnight to Lou, Ravi and Xander who had stopped to make sure she got in safely.
Quickly going through her nighttime routine Francesca got ready for bed. Slipping into her fluffy pajama pants and camisole, she exited the bathroom, her path lit only by her battery powered headlamp.
Sneakily taking the walkie talkie a sleeping Avery was holding onto she plugged it in with hers to charge. Flipping the lock closed on the cabin door, Francesca slipped into bed happy to get some well deserved sleep.
Evie's Notes 2: Thank you all so much for reading 💕! I hope you enjoyed this update, let me know your favorite part of in the comments! I hope to see you all next week 💗!